Ventricular defibrillation: appropriate energy levels.

In the previous issue of Circulation, Gold et al. (Circulation 60: 187, 1979) presented data compatible with the thesis that the defibrillation threshold in calves depends on body weight.The extrapolation of this observa- tion to man is extremely controversial.In this issue, two original articles present data in man which are at some variance with the observation in calves.In view of the importance of the required energy levels for human defibrillation, we are including two editorials on this subject.We hope that these viewpoints will stimulate the design of more definitive studies in man to settle this crucial issue.