An implantable cardiac stimulation device, such as a pacemaker or
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator, is configured to automatically
monitor the effects of antiarrhythmic drugs on cardiac electrical signals
within a patient to verify the efficacy of the drugs taken. In one
example, an analysis of patient cardiac electrical signals is performed
by comparing the cardiac electrical signals with values representative of
the effects of different classes of antiarrhythmic drugs. If the
implantable device determines that the prescribed antiarrhythmic drugs
have not been effective, a warning signal is generated. The warning
signal is conveyed directly to the patient via a bedside monitor and to
the patient's physician via remote connection to an external programmer
device so that both are notified of the drug efficacy problems.
Additionally, the implantable device may be configured to automatically
adjust pacing and defibrillation control parameters in an attempt to
compensate for any lack of efficacy in the drugs. For example, the
aggressiveness of overdrive pacing may be increased. Alternatively, a
drug pump is controlled to adjust the dosage of antiarrhythmic drugs if
an initial dosage is found to be ineffective.