Implantable cardioverter defibrillators in the prevention of sudden cardiac death

Abstract

The article highlights the role of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in the primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. It considers the results of multicenter studies comparing the efficacy of antiarrhythmic drugs and implantable devices in the primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death, including that in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy and discusses quality of life in patients with ICDs.

Keywords

• sudden cardiac death
• implantable cardioverter defibrillator
• coronary heart disease
• ventricular tachycardia
• ventricular fibrillation
• quality of life