Primary prevention of sudden cardiac death: one step forwards and one step backwards

摘要

In 2006, ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) remain a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Judging from data acquired in the US and Europe, VT/VF claims two to three lives per 100,000 individuals each year. The incidence of arrhythmic death has not declined in tandem with advances in the management of acute coronary syndromes, heart failure and cardiovascular disease in general. Primary prevention of sudden death is desirable. It requires accurate identification of patients at risk and effective therapies that prevent or terminate VT/VF.