Flecainide reduces ventricular arrhythmias via a mechanism that differs from that of β‐blockers in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia

Background Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is an inherited arrhythmia syndrome characterized by episodic ventricular tachycardia induced by adrenergic stress. Although β‐blockers are used as first‐line therapy, their therapeutic effects are largely incomplete. Flecainide has recently been shown to modify the molecular defects in CPVT. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of flecainide as an add‐on to conventional therapy on exercise‐induced ventricular arrhythmia and compare them with those of conventional therapy alone. Methods The study included 5 CPVT patients with a mutation in RYR 2. They experienced episodic arrhythmic events despite conventional β‐blocker therapy and were therefore given flecainide in addition. The effects of the addition of flecainide therapy on ventricular arrhythmia during exercise testing were compared with those of conventional therapy alone. Results Both β‐blockers alone and with additional flecainide increased the maximal workload attained at the onset of ventricular arrhythmia; however, only flecainide increased the sinus rate at the onset of ventricular arrhythmias. Furthermore, flecainide increased the exercise capacity by preventing exercise‐induced arrhythmias. During a follow‐up period of 17±2 months, 1 patient experienced recurrent arrhythmic episodes that were associated with noncompliance. All patients reported improvements in their ability to perform the activities of daily living. Conclusion Flecainide effectively reduced ventricular arrhythmias via a mechanism that differs from that of β‐blockers in genotype‐positive patients with CPVT. The specific effects of flecainide may be critical in the improvement noted in the patients' ability to perform daily activities.