The Spectrum of Care for Sudden Cardiac Death Prevention-The Spectrum of Care for Sudden Cardiac Death Prevention

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The Heart Rhythm 2025 annual meeting convened numerous experts to discuss the pressing issue of sudden cardiac death and address various strategic approaches to risk assessment, treatment, and resuscitation. Dr. Monique Starks from Duke University discussed the epidemiology of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, stressing the importance of the "chain of survival" which emphasizes rapid interventions to improve survival rates. She highlighted challenges such as public access defibrillation and proposed initiatives like bystander CPR and AED use improvement strategies along with promising innovative technologies such as smartphone apps and drone delivery of AEDs.<br /><br />Dr. Kumar Narayanan from Medicover Hospitals focused on identifying individuals at increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), discussing current issues and potential future directions in risk stratification, such as moving from a single-parameter to a multiparametric approach incorporating AI, genetic assessments, and other emerging technologies.<br /><br />Dr. Chuck Swerdlow from Cedars-Sinai Hospital illustrated the complexities surrounding the programming and performance of ICDs, advocating for personalized programming to minimize shocks while ensuring effectiveness. He addressed the significance of clear communication with patients about their devices and the post-event support available to them.<br /><br />Finally, Dr. John Sapp explored whether catheter ablation could mitigate the risk of SCD, focusing on its role in managing ventricular arrhythmias rather than directly extending survival, and highlighted the impact of treating heart failure on arrhythmic events.<br /><br />Throughout, the session underscored the intertwined nature of technological advancement, patient care strategies, and societal education in reducing the incidence and impact of sudden cardiac deaths.

Keywords

sudden cardiac death

risk assessment

chain of survival

public access defibrillation

bystander CPR

AED technology

multiparametric approach

ICD programming

catheter ablation

ventricular arrhythmias