Sudden cardiac death and the role of medical therapy.
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for more than 300,000 deaths annually in the United States. The goal of medical therapy in patients considered to be at high risk (coronary artery disease, post myocardial infarction, structural heart disease and congestive heart failure) involves treating the disease state as well prevention of potentially lethal arrhythmias. Treatment with angiotensin receptor inhibitors, beta blockers and statins has been shown to improve survival in this high risk group. The use of anti-arrhythmic drugs has been studied and found to lack efficacy and has potential for adverse effects. The role of omega-3 fatty acids in preventing sudden death continues to evolve.
Arshad
Aysha
A
Division of Cardiology, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY 10025, USA.
Mandava
Anisha
A
Kamath
Ganesh
G
Musat
Dan
D
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists; D000638:Amiodarone