Mortality benefits from implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy are not restricted to patients with remote myocardial infarction

Abstract

There is little debate over the life-saving properties of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) in select patient populations. Mortality benefits in patients who have survived cardiac arrest or who are at risk for sudden cardiac arrest is established. In particular, the recognized improved survival in patients with depressed ejection fraction after myocardial infarction (MI) has resulted in a dramatic increase in ICD implants. 1 Bardy G.H. Lee K.L. Mark D.B. et al. Amiodarone or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for congestive heart failure. N Engl J Med. 2005; 352: 225-237 Crossref PubMed Scopus (5242) Google Scholar Despite overwhelming evidence of the clinical utility of ICDs in primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD), patient selection and timing of device implantation continues to be the subject of much debate. Mortality benefits from implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy are not restricted to patients with remote myocardial infarction: an analysis from the Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure Trial (SCD-HeFT)Heart RhythmVol. 8Issue 3PreviewThe implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is an effective therapy for preventing sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with prior myocardial infarction (MI) and reduced left ventricular function; however, the optimal timing of ICD implantation after MI remains unknown. Full-Text PDF