Sudden death risk markers for patients with left ventricular ejection fractions greater than 40%,

The major burden of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with heart disease occurs in those with a left ventricular ejection fraction>40%. Although the annual risk of SCD may be lower in these patients compared to those with lower LVEF, their lifetime cumulative risk of SCD may be greater due to a better overall prognosis. It is plausible that those with LVEF>40% who are at highest risk of life-threatening arrhythmia will benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Features that identify patients with a LVEF>40% at high risk of SCD are urgently needed.
Source: Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research