ICDs reduce incidences of sudden cardiac arrest

 Hyderabad: It is estimated that 7 lakh individuals die of sudden cardiac death (SCD) each year in southern India and it contributes to 10.3% of the total mortality.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is an abrupt loss of heart function that might lead to death within minutes. Ventricular arrhythmia is reported to be the leading cause of SCD. The prevalence of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) has been estimated to be 7-10% in urban areas and 3-5% in rural areas. Patients of acute coronary syndromes in India reported to be predominantly male (>70%), relatively younger (mean age of 57 years) with more presence of additional risk factor like hypertension and diabetes compared to those of western countries.

ICD therapy 
The medical community has established guidelines endorsing the use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) in patients who have survived a SCA episode as well as in those who have not previously experienced, but are at risk of, a life-threatening heart rhythm. The implant plays an important role in terminating sudden or unexpected arrhythmias leading to SCA. The usage of the therapy amongst patients who have survived an episode of sudden cardiac arrest is well established, however, its benefits are less quantified amongst patients without any history of SCA but at risk of an episode. 

According to Dr B Hygriv Rao, Senior Consultant Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist KIMS Hospitals, Hyderabad, “The rising incidence of sudden cardiac deaths in the country make it critical for medical practitioners/cardiologists to inform patients about the role of ICD therapy as a preventive measure to avoid future possible SCA episodes. The prevention of sudden cardiac death is an important goal. Despite the burden of sudden cardiac deaths, the use of ICD therapy to prevent SCA remains underutilized amongst eligible patients.”

IMPROVE SCA is the largest prospective study of patients at risk of SCA in emerging countries with 4,000 study patients from 17 countries including India. Data from the study confirms reduced death risk benefits of ICD therapy in a primary prevention population and align with past randomized trials. 

The results of IMPROVE SCA – has revealed that patients-at-risk of SCA and implanted with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICDs) had 49% relative risk reduction in death rate, compared to those without ICD implant. The implant plays an important role in terminating sudden or unexpected arrhythmias leading to SCA.