Arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death resulting from ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation are important public health issues of this decade. Complexities surrounding the subject, plus a relatively experimental and toxic therapeutic armamentarium with poorly defined end points, have largely limited the field to the specialized cardiologist. Recent studies, however, have served to identify those at risk as a result of their dysrhythmia,, and given the improved methods for detection and monitoring and a host of potent new antiarrhythmic drugs, interest in the area is certain to broaden. Inasmuch as initial presentation and follow-up often lie within the realm of the family physician or generalist, an understanding and update of this important subject is in order.