The Problem of Ventricular Dysrhythmias and Sudden Death Mortality in Heart Failure: The Impact of Current Therapy

Congestive heart failure (CHF), one of the few cardiovascular conditions increasing in incidence and prevalence, is characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Up to 50% of the mortality is attributable to dysrhythmic sudden death. Risk stratification to identify those most susceptible to sudden death remains imperfect. The advances in CHF therapeutics and management over the past 16 years have had a favorable impact on CHF mortality including sudden death. The role of amiodarone and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator intervention is evolving and discussed in the context of current CHF management and available trials.