Current status of the ICD in nonischemic cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Risk stratification of patients before considering implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy is important for targeting therapy. Recommendations for selecting the optimal patients for ICD therapy are based on major trials. For patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%, and associated heart failure (HF) with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional Class II or III status, ICD therapy for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) is recommended. ICDs are effective at reducing total mortality and mortality from SCD, although the benefits of an ICD on total mortality may be diminished in the setting of guideline-directed optimal medical therapy and cardiac resynchronization therapy. For patients with an LVEF ≤35%, HF with NYHA functional Class III or IV status, and a QRS duration ≥120 milliseconds, biventricular pacing combined with an ICD is recommended