Indications for cardiac defibrillators in patients with congestive heart failure.
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a significant cause of mortality in patients suffering from heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction. Implantable cardiac defibrillators have been shown to effectively reduce the incidence of SCD in this population. Multiple clinical trials have redefined the indications and patient profiles for their use: from secondary prevention to primary prevention of SCD. In this article, we will review the clinical trials contributing to the current practice guidelines, which include device therapy.
Pourati
Isaac
I
Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology, UMass Memorial Medical Center, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
Rosenthal
Lawrence
L
D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans