How to better prevent sudden cardiac death? Recent advances

Abstract

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a global public health problem. Despite efforts of the scientific community, it is characterized by low survival (<10%). Strategies used to prevent this catastrophic event are divided into those aimed at individual and populational level. Individuals known to be at a high risk for SCD may be treated with medications, implantable cardioverter‑defibrillators, catheter ablation, or temporary defibrillation devices. At the population level, efforts are concentrated on prevention of ischemic heart disease, as it is responsible for over 70% of sudden mortality cases in adults, and on development of resuscitation and early defibrillation programs. Much still needs to be done to improve survival by raising awareness in the population through training initiatives and by optimizing available technologies and making them more accessible.