CARDIOMETABOLIC HEALTH 

Panminerva Medica 2015 June;57(2):71-86

Copyright © 2015 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

lingua: Inglese

Sudden cardiac death in postmyocardial-infarction patients

Fahed J., Floyd K. C., Tighe D. A. ✉

Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA

Patients who survive a myocardial infarction are at increased risk for sudden death, owing largely to ventricular arrhythmia. In this article, we will review the epidemiology of sudden cardiac death in postmyocardial-infarction patients, arrhythmia mechanisms and substrate leading to cardiac arrest, identifying possible risk factors for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in high risk population and apply risk stratification strategies for prevention of SCD. We will also review relevant major trials and evidence-based therapy currently used, in addition to the indications and role of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in this population. We will end this review with a summary of the current guidelines recommendations and a look into the future of this domain.