Preventing Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure-What Is Too Old? (Presenter: Benjamin A. Steinberg, MD, MHS, FHRS)

What Is Too Old? (Presenter: Benjamin A. Steinberg, MD, MHS, FHRS)

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this presentation, Jody Hurwitz discussed the use of defibrillator therapy for treatment of sudden death and ventricular arrhythmias in older patients with heart failure. She mentioned that as patients age, the rate of sudden death increases, but the proportion of overall deaths due to sudden death is relatively lower. She also highlighted that older patients are less likely to receive defibrillators, despite evidence suggesting that they can be effective. The decision to implant an ICD in older patients should take into consideration factors such as comorbidities, primary versus secondary prevention, and the patient's quality of life. Cost-effectiveness remains unclear. Hurwitz concluded that while ICDs can be effective in older patients, the decision to implant one is highly personalized and age should not be the sole consideration.

Meta Tag

Lecture ID 5009

Location Room 152

Presenter Benjamin A. Steinberg, MD, MHS, FHRS

Role Invited Speaker

Session Date and Time May 09, 2019 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Session Number S-046

Keywords

defibrillator therapy

sudden death

ventricular arrhythmias

older patients

heart failure