Several clinical tools are available for identification of patients at risk of cardiac arrhythmias or its consequences that may benefit from interventions to reduce morbidity and risk of sudden death. These include noninvasive tests, such as a standard (more…)

Atrial Fibrillation affects approximately 2.3 million people in the United States and is the most common rhythm disorder among U.S. patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of an cardiac arrhythmia. The median age of Atrial Fibrillation patients is 75 years; 84% are older than 65 years. Pooled data from studies of chronic Atrial Fibrillation in North America, Britain, and Iceland suggest a prevalence of 0.5% to 1% in the general population. (more…)

Results from several recently completed trials have important implications for the primary prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death Prevention (Table below). In patients with coronary artery disease, prior myocardial infarction, and ejection fraction of 30% or less, a survival benefit was found with prophylactic implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator compared with medical therapy (MADIT-II). In the MADIT-II trial, benefits in patients with preexisting left bundle branch block were more pronounced. In the Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure Trial (SCD-HeFT), an ICD was associated with improved survival compared with amiodarone or medical therapy in patients with class II or III heart failure symptoms and an ejection fraction of 35% or less, and the benefit was evident in patients with or without ischemia (48%). (more…)

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The same genetic and cell approaches used for treatment of bradyarrhythmia can potentially be modified for tachyarrhythmias treatment. Arrhythmogenesis typically results from increased automaticity, triggered activity, or reentry. Different genetic approaches can, therefore, be designed based on the individual mechanism. (more…)