Review on Non-Invasive Risk Stratification of Sudden Cardiac Death

Abstract

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of the most significant and challenging problems facing modern medicine today given its unpredictable nature. The evaluation of the patient at risk for sudden cardiac death still remains a complex task. The use of ICDs (implantable cardioverter defibrillators) remains the mainstay of primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. However, much remains to be determined on how best to identify patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death who would most benefit from ICD implantations. This paper will review the current issues in the risk assessment of sudden cardiac death and non-invasive markers of sudden death.