The Effect of Medical and Surgical Treatment on Subsequent Sudden Cardiac Death in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary Revascularization and Implantation of the Automatic Cardioverter/Defibrillator: Reliability of Immediate Intraoperative Testing

“…Recent data underscores the importance of coronary revascularization as a means to reduce the incidence of sudden death in high-risk patients with coronary artery disease. 9 However, revascularization alone is often inadequate to prevent recurrent ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, particularly in patients with poor ventricular function. 10 The implantable defibrillator is an important additional therapy in such patients.…”

Management of the Patient Who Has Been Resuscitated From Sudden Cardiac Death

“…10 Several studies suggest that coronary revascularization provides important antiarrhythmic benefits. [11][12][13] However, coronary revascularization alone provides incomplete protection from recurrent sudden death in this high risk patient group. 14 Three multicenter studies addressed the use of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) versus antiarrhythmic drug therapy in secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death: the Canadian Implantable Defibrillator Study (CIDS), 15 the Cardiac Arrest Study, Hamburg (CASH), 16 and AVID.…”

“…Coronary revascularization appears to reduce total and sudden death mortality and should be strongly considered when appropriate. [11][12][13][14] The influence of ischemia triggers on the electrophysiologic substrate provides a strong argument for aggressive lipid management, particularly for the benefit of plaque stabilization. The beneficial effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in ventricular dysfunction is indisputable; studies vary as to the specific effect on sudden death.…”