Prediction of sudden cardiac death: next steps in pursuit of effective methodology.

摘要

The recognition that severe left ventricular dysfunction is a predictor of sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk enabled widespread utilization of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) for SCD prevention. Use of the ICD prior to any signs or symptoms of ventricular arrhythmias ("primary prevention") is particularly important for SCD because case fatality for patients with sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias is among the highest of any disease process.