Guidelines for Treatment of Ventricular Arrhythmias Updated

This new guideline, which replaces the 2006 ACC/AHA/ESC Guidelines for Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death, is intended to guide management of adults who have ventricular arrhythmias or who are at risk for sudden cardiac death, including diseases and syndromes associated with a risk of sudden cardiac death from ventricular arrhythmias. Some recommendations from the earlier guidelines have been updated as warranted by new evidence or a better understanding of existing evidence.

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This guideline includes indications for implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias and prevention of sudden cardiac death. The guideline provides much needed guidance on the use of ICDs in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy as the role of ICDs in such patients was called into question by the recent publication of the DANISH trial. The guideline also provides recommendations on the use of ICDs in patients with left ventricular assist devices, use of subcutaneous ICDs, and the role of catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias and provides several recommendations on genetic counseling and genetic testing to help inform clinical practice. This guideline is the first to include value statements, specifically on the strength of evidence surrounding ICDs and cost-effectiveness.

The writing committee stresses the importance of shared decision-making between patients and clinicians.

"Treatment decisions should not be based only on the best available evidence, but also on the patients' health goals, preferences, and values," Al-Khatib said.

Patients considering implantation of a new ICD or replacement of an existing one should be informed of their individual risk of sudden cardiac death and non-sudden death from heart failure or non-cardiac conditions, and the effectiveness and potential complications of the ICD. In patients nearing the end of life from other illness, clinicians should discuss ICD shock deactivation as they reassess their patients' goals and preferences.

The writing committee acknowledges that despite the substantial progress in recognizing individuals at risk for sudden cardiac death and the prevention and treatment of sudden cardiac death and ventricular arrhythmias, many gaps in knowledge remain. More research is needed to better define which patients among all currently ICD-eligible patients are most likely to benefit from an ICD, to define the role of the ICD in patient subgroups not well-represented in the pivotal ICD trials, and to develop approaches to preventing sudden death in the large population of patients who do not meet present indications for an ICD, but account for the majority of cases of sudden death. Increasing funding for research in these areas is critically important.



Source: Eurekalert