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Bragg S, Brown B, DeCastro AO. Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death. Prim Care 2024; 51:143-154. [PMID: 38278568 DOI: 10.1016/j.pop.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Ventricular tachyarrhythmias remain a major cause of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) that leads to sudden cardiac death (SCD). Primary prevention strategies to prevent SCD include promoting a healthy lifestyle, following United States Preventive Service Task Force recommendations related to cardiovascular disease, and controlling comorbid conditions. For a patient experiencing SCA, early cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation should be performed. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators are more effective at secondary prevention compared with drug therapy but medications such as amiodarone, beta-blockers, and sotalol may be helpful adjuncts to reduce the risk of SCD or improve a patient's symptoms (eg, palpitations and inappropriate defibrillator shocks).
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Bragg
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Pharmacy and MUSC College of Medicine, 173 Ashley Avenue, CP 240, MSC 141, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Medicine, MUSC Department of Family Medicine, 135 Cannon Street, Suite 405, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
| | - Brandon Brown
- Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Medicine, MUSC Department of Family Medicine, 135 Cannon Street, Suite 405, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Alexei O DeCastro
- Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Medicine, MUSC Department of Family Medicine, 135 Cannon Street, Suite 405, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Zaher W, Della Rocca DG, Pannone L, Boveda S, de Asmundis C, Chierchia GB, Sorgente A. Anti-Arrhythmic Effects of Heart Failure Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy and Their Role in the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death: From Beta-Blockers to Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors and Beyond. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1316. [PMID: 38592135 PMCID: PMC10931968 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for a substantial proportion of mortality in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), frequently triggered by ventricular arrhythmias (VA). This review aims to analyze the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying VA and SCD in HFrEF and evaluate the effectiveness of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in reducing SCD. Beta-blockers, angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists have shown significant efficacy in reducing SCD risk. While angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers exert beneficial impacts on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, their direct role in SCD prevention remains less clear. Emerging treatments like sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors show promise but necessitate further research for conclusive evidence. The favorable outcomes of those molecules on VA are notably attributable to sympathetic nervous system modulation, structural remodeling attenuation, and ion channel stabilization. A multidimensional pharmacological approach targeting those pathophysiological mechanisms offers a complete and synergy approach to reducing SCD risk, thereby highlighting the importance of optimizing GDMT for HFrEF. The current landscape of HFrEF pharmacotherapy is evolving, with ongoing research needed to clarify the full extent of the anti-arrhythmic benefits offered by both existing and new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael Zaher
- Department of Cardiology, Centre Hospitalier EpiCURA, Route de Mons 63, 7301 Hornu, Belgium;
| | - Domenico Giovanni Della Rocca
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklan 101, Jette, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (D.G.D.R.); (L.P.); (C.d.A.); (G.-B.C.)
| | - Luigi Pannone
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklan 101, Jette, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (D.G.D.R.); (L.P.); (C.d.A.); (G.-B.C.)
| | - Serge Boveda
- Heart Rhythm Management Department, Clinique Pasteur, 31076 Toulouse, France;
| | - Carlo de Asmundis
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklan 101, Jette, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (D.G.D.R.); (L.P.); (C.d.A.); (G.-B.C.)
| | - Gian-Battista Chierchia
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklan 101, Jette, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (D.G.D.R.); (L.P.); (C.d.A.); (G.-B.C.)
| | - Antonio Sorgente
- Department of Cardiology, Centre Hospitalier EpiCURA, Route de Mons 63, 7301 Hornu, Belgium;
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklan 101, Jette, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (D.G.D.R.); (L.P.); (C.d.A.); (G.-B.C.)
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Okorare O, Alugba G, Olusiji S, Evbayekha EO, Antia AU, Daniel E, Ubokudum D, Adabale OK, Ariaga A. Sudden Cardiac Death: An Update on Commotio Cordis. Cureus 2023; 15:e38087. [PMID: 37252546 PMCID: PMC10209547 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular mortality, and it is caused by a diverse array of conditions. Among these is commotio cordis, a relatively infrequent but still significant cause, often seen in young athletes involved in competitive or recreational sports. It is known to be caused by blunt trauma to the chest wall resulting in life-threatening arrhythmia (typically ventricular fibrillation). The current understanding pertains to blunt trauma to the precordium, with an outcome depending on factors such as the type of stimulus, the force of impact, the qualities of the projectile (shape, size, and density), the site of impact, and the timing of impact in relation to the cardiac cycle. In the management of commotio cordis, a history of preceding blunt chest trauma is usually encountered. Imaging is mostly unremarkable except for ECG, which may show malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Treatment is focused on emergent resuscitation with the advanced cardiac life support protocol algorithm, with extensive workup following the return of spontaneous circulation. In the absence of underlying cardiovascular pathologies, implantable cardiac defibrillator insertion is not beneficial, and patients can even resume physical activity if the workup is unremarkable. Proper follow-up is also key in the management and monitoring of re-entrant ventricular arrhythmias, which are amenable to ablative therapy. Prevention of this condition involves protecting the chest wall against blunt trauma, especially with the use of safety balls and chest protectors in certain high-risk sporting activities. This study aims to elucidate the current epidemiology and clinical management of SCD with a particular focus on a rarely explored etiology, commotio cordis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovie Okorare
- Internal Medicine, Nuvance Health Vassar Brothers Medical Center, New York, USA
| | | | - Soremi Olusiji
- Internal Medicine, New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York, USA
| | | | - Akanimo U Antia
- Medicine, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | - Anderson Ariaga
- Internal Medicine, Nuvance Health Vassar Brothers Medical Center, New York, USA
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Abbas R, Abbas A, Khan TK, Sharjeel S, Amanullah K, Irshad Y. Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Individuals: A Current Review of Evaluation, Screening and Prevention. J Clin Med Res 2023; 15:1-9. [PMID: 36755763 PMCID: PMC9881489 DOI: 10.14740/jocmr4823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) can affect all age groups, including young persons. While less common in the age < 35 population, the occurrence of SCD in the young raises concern, with multiple possible etiologies and often unanswered questions. While coronary artery disease is the leading cause in those > 35 years of age, the younger population faces a different subset of pathologies associated with SCD, including arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies. The tragic nature of SCD in the young entails that we explore and implement available screening methods for this population, and perform the necessary investigations such as electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography. In this review, we not only explore the vast etiology associated with SCD in those age < 35, but emphasize evaluation methods, who is at risk, and delve into screening of SCD in potential victims and their family members, in an attempt to prevent this traumatic event. Future research must work towards establishing preventative measures in order to reduce SCD, particularly unexplained SCD in the young.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramsha Abbas
- Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA,Corresponding Author: Ramsha Abbas, Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Aiza Abbas
- Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Talha Kamran Khan
- Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Salal Sharjeel
- Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Khadija Amanullah
- Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Yusra Irshad
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
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