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

Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2018 Nov;28(8):516-521. doi: 10.1016/j.tcm.2018.05.001. Epub 2018 Jun 12.

Abstract

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. We review existing studies examining SCD markers in this sub-group and discuss gaps in the current evidence base.

Keywords: LVEF; Risk factors; Sudden cardiac death.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / complications*
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / diagnosis
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / physiopathology
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / therapy
  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / etiology*
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / prevention & control
  • Defibrillators, Implantable
  • Electric Countershock / instrumentation
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Stroke Volume*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ventricular Function, Left*