Primary prevention by implantable cardioverter defibrillators: shock proof?

Abstract

In the last two decades, the focus of implantable cardioverter defibrillator {ICD} trials has mainly been on prophylactic implantation of ICDs in high-risk populations for the prevention of sudden cardiac death. In particular, prophylactic ICDs in high-risk post-MI patients with a depressed left ventricular ejection fraction has resulted in significantly improved survival. These benefits are in addition to those of optimal pharmacological therapy and ICD therapy should be considered the standard of care in these patients.