Sudden Cardiac Death

Abstract

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) due to ventricular tachyarrhythmias is a leading cause of death in the United States. This phenomenon is associated with coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, nonischemic cardiomyopathies, congenital heart disease, primary electrical abnormalities, autonomic nervous system abnormalities, and other less common disorders. Evaluation and management of patients at risk for SCD (primary prevention) and of patients who have survived at least 1 episode of SCD (secondary prevention) have evolved in recent years because clinical trials have shown consistent benefit from implantation of cardioverter-defibrillators in appropriately selected patients. An evidence-based approach to primary and secondary prevention of SCD is presented.

Commotio cordis?A report of three cases

“…This may partly reflect the fact that the circumstances surrounding a homicide are often less clear than a sporting accident, without clear witness evidence. In a case where a body is found with no particular external injuries and no history of a blow being struck, the presence of concurrent disease, particularly diseases which predispose to cardiac arrhythmiae, such as severe coronary artery atheroma, valvular disease or cardiomyopathies (amongst others) [16], may both predispose the victim to a sudden cardiac death and suggest a cause of death which does not necessarily involve violence. In addition, the presence of drugs (particularly stimulants such as cocaine or amphetamine) may cause catecholamine release which increases the likelihood of arrhythmia [17].…”

Cost-effectiveness analysis of preventing sudden cardiac death with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator versus amiodarone

“…Када је иници-јални ритам асистолија стопа преживљавања је мала. Исход је много бољи када је почетни ритам вентрикуларна тахиаритмија, јер око 25% болесника преживи, а када је у питању нестабилна вентрикуларна тахикардија стопа преживљавања је 65% до 70% 4 . Стратегије за спречавање изненадне срчане смрти могу се поделити на две опште категорије: примарна превенција и секундарна превенција.…”

A literature review: Advance directives and patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators

“…These leads terminate the arrhythmia through pacing, cardioversion, or defibrillation. Research includes trials with patients who survived SCD caused by ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (Antezano & Hong, 2003). Randomized clinical trials have expanded indications for ICDs to primary prevention (Nanthakumar, Epstein, Kay, Plunb, & Lee, 2004).…”

“…This primary arrhythmia is ventricular fibrillation (VF). These arrhythmias can be attributed to congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, congenital heart disease, primary electrophysiological abnormalities, autonomic nervous system abnormalities, degenerative/inflammatory processes, miscellaneous drugs, metabolic, or mechanical causes (Antezano & Hong, 2003). Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have been the treatment of choice for those who have experienced or are at risk for SCD for the past two decades.…”