In a retrospective study we analyzed the long-term course in 77 patients (71 males and 6 females) with symptomatic ventricular tachycardias. Initially all patients had undergone an electrophysiological examination. 56/77 patients received drug therapy and 19/77 underwent surgery (implantation of an automatic defibrillator in 2 patients). Two patients received no therapy. After an observation period of 30 (5-81) months, 60% of the patients who had received drug therapy and 77% who had undergone surgery were free of tachycardia. 16/56 (29%) of the patients under drug management and 6/19 (32%) of the surgically treated had died in the meantime. In the whole group the mortality rate was 9.6 times higher than in an age and sex matched control group. In younger subjects (16-50 years) the mortality rate was 4 times greater than in those aged 51-81 years. The highest mortality was observed in the first year. The most important prognostic parameter was the left ventricular ejection fraction, which was significantly higher in survivors. We conclude that ventricular arrhythmias can be effectively controlled, and quality of life enhanced, with drug therapy or surgery.