Impact of a Chronic Total Coronary Occlusion on the Incidence of Appropriate Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Shocks and Mortality: A Substudy of the Dutch Outcome in ICD Therapy (DO-IT)) Registry.

BACKGROUND: Chronic total coronary occlusions (CTO) substantially increase the risk for sudden cardiac death. Among patients with chronic ischemic heart disease at risk for sudden cardiac death, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is the favored therapy for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. This study sought to investigate the impact of CTOs on the risk for appropriate ICD shocks and mortality within a nationwide prospective cohort. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is a subanalysis of the nationwide Dutch-Outcome in ICD Therapy (DO-IT) registry of primary prevention ICD recipients in The Netherlands between September 2014 and June 2016 (n=1442). We identified patients with chronic ischemic heart disease (n=663) and assessed available coronary angiograms for CTO presence (n=415). Patients with revascularized CTOs were excluded (n=79). The primary end point was the composite of all-cause mortality and appropriate ICD shocks. Clinical follow-up was conducted for at least 2 years. A total of 336 patients were included, with an average age of 67±9 years, and 20.5% was female (n=69). An unrevascularized CTO was identified in 110 patients (32.7%). During a median follow-up period of 27 months (interquartile range, 24-32), the primary end point occurred in 21.1% of patients with CTO (n=23) compared with 11.9% in patients without CTO (n=27; P=0.034). Corrected for baseline characteristics including left ventricular ejection fraction, and the presence of a CTO was an independent predictor for the primary end point (hazard ratio, 1.82 [95% CI, 1.03-3.22]; P=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Within this nationwide prospective registry of primary prevention ICD recipients, the presence of an unrevascularized CTO was an independent predictor for the composite outcome of all-cause mortality and appropriate ICD shocks.

The association between GRACE score at admission for myocardial infarction and the incidence of sudden cardiac arrests in long-term follow-up - the MADDEC study.

Background. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), often also leading to sudden cardiac death (SCD), is a common complication in coronary artery disease. Despite the effort there is a lack of applicable prediction tools to identify those at high risk. We tested the association between the validated GRACE score and the incidence of SCA after myocardial infarction. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of 1,985 patients treated for myocardial infarction (MI) between January 1st 2015 and December 31st 2018 and followed until the 31st of December of 2021. The main exposure variable was patients' GRACE score at the point of admission and main outcome variable was incident SCA after hospitalization. Their association was analyzed by subdistribution hazard (SDH) model analysis. The secondary endpoints included SCA in patients with no indication to implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) device and incident SCD. Results. A total of 1985 patients were treated for MI. Mean GRACE score at baseline was 118.7 (SD 32.0). During a median follow-up time of 5.3 years (IQR 3.8-6.1 years) 78 SCA events and 52 SCDs occurred. In unadjusted analyses one SD increase in GRACE score associated with over 50% higher risk of SCA (SDH 1.55, 95% CI 1.29-1.85, p < 0.0001) and over 40% higher risk for SCD (1.42, 1.12-1.79, p = 0.0033). The associations between SCA and GRACE remained statistically significant even with patients without indication for ICD device (1.57, 1.30-1.90, p < 0.0001) as well as when adjusting with patients LVEF and omitting the age from the GRACE score to better represent the severity of the cardiac event. The association of GRACE and SCD turned statistically insignificant when adjusting with LVEF. Conclusions. GRACE score measured at admission for MI associates with long-term risk for SCA.

What is already known about this subject?Nearly 50% of cardiac mortality is caused by sudden cardiac death, often due to sudden cardiac arrest.Despite the effort, there is a lack of applicable prediction tools to identify those at high risk.What does this study add?This study shows that GRACE score measured at the point of admission for myocardial infarction can be used to evaluate patients' risk for sudden cardiac arrest in a long-term follow-up.How might this impact on clinical practice?Based on our findings, the GRACE score at the point of admission could significantly affect the patients' need for an ICD device after hospitalization for MI and should be considered as a contributing factor when evaluating the patients' follow-up care.

Long-term reliability of the phospholamban (PLN) p.(Arg14del) risk model in predicting major ventricular arrhythmia: a landmark study.

AIMS: Recently, a genetic variant-specific prediction model for phospholamban (PLN) p.(Arg14del)-positive individuals was developed to predict individual major ventricular arrhythmia (VA) risk to support decision-making for primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation. This model predicts major VA risk from baseline data, but iterative evaluation of major VA risk may be warranted considering that the risk factors for major VA are progressive. Our aim is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the PLN p.(Arg14del) risk model at 3-year follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a landmark analysis 3 years after presentation and selected only patients with no prior major VA. Data were collected of 268 PLN p.(Arg14del)-positive subjects, aged 43.5 ± 16.3 years, 38.9% male. After the 3 years landmark, subjects had a mean follow-up of 4.0 years (± 3.5 years) and 28 (10%) subjects experienced major VA with an annual event rate of 2.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6-3.6], defined as sustained VA, appropriate ICD intervention, or (aborted) sudden cardiac death. The PLN p.(Arg14del) risk score yielded good discrimination in the 3 years landmark cohort with a C-statistic of 0.83 (95% CI 0.79-0.87) and calibration slope of 0.97. CONCLUSION: The PLN p.(Arg14del) risk model has sustained good model performance up to 3 years follow-up in PLN p.(Arg14del)-positive subjects with no history of major VA. It may therefore be used to support decision-making for primary prevention ICD implantation not merely at presentation but also up to at least 3 years of follow-up.

Cost effectiveness of implantable cardioverter defibrillators for 1.5 primary prevention of sudden cardiac arrest in China: an analysis from the Improve SCA study.

OBJECTIVES: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICDs) for primary prevention (PP) of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is underutilized in developing countries. The Improve SCA study has identified a subset of 1.5 primary prevention (1.5PP) patients with a higher risk of SCA and a significant mortality benefit from ICD therapy. From the perspective of China's healthcare system, we evaluated the cost-effectiveness of ICD therapy vs. no ICD therapy among 1.5PP patients with a view to informing clinical and policy decisions. METHODS: A published Markov model was adjusted and verified to simulate the course of the disease and describe different health states of 1.5PP patients. The patient characteristics, mortality, utility and complication estimates were obtained from the Improve SCA study and other literature. Cost inputs were sourced from government tender prices, medical service prices and clinical experts' surveys in 9 Chinese public hospitals. For both ICD and no ICD therapy, the total medical costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were modelled over a lifetime horizon and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the uncertainty of the model parameters. We used the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold recommended by China Guidelines for Pharmacoeconomic Evaluations, one to three times China's GDP per capita (CNY85,698-CNY257,094) in 2022 Chinese Yuan. RESULTS: The incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) of ICD therapy compared to no ICD therapy is 139,652 CNY/QALY, which is about 1-2 times China's GDP per capita. The probability that ICD therapy is cost effective was 92.1%. Results from sensitivity analysis supported the findings of the base case. CONCLUSIONS: ICD therapy compared to no ICD therapy is cost-effective for the 1.5PP patients in China.

Ethical use of artificial intelligence to prevent sudden cardiac death: an interview study of patient perspectives.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine has prompted the development of numerous ethical guidelines, while the involvement of patients in the creation of these documents lags behind. As part of the European PROFID project we explore patient perspectives on the ethical implications of AI in care for patients at increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). AIM: Explore perspectives of patients on the ethical use of AI, particularly in clinical decision-making regarding the implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). METHODS: Semi-structured, future scenario-based interviews were conducted among patients who had either an ICD and/or a heart condition with increased risk of SCD in Germany (n = 9) and the Netherlands (n = 15). We used the principles of the European Commission's Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI to structure the interviews. RESULTS: Six themes arose from the interviews: the ability of AI to rectify human doctors' limitations; the objectivity of data; whether AI can serve as second opinion; AI explainability and patient trust; the importance of the 'human touch'; and the personalization of care. Overall, our results reveal a strong desire among patients for more personalized and patient-centered care in the context of ICD implantation. Participants in our study express significant concerns about the further loss of the 'human touch' in healthcare when AI is introduced in clinical settings. They believe that this aspect of care is currently inadequately recognized in clinical practice. Participants attribute to doctors the responsibility of evaluating AI recommendations for clinical relevance and aligning them with patients' individual contexts and values, in consultation with the patient. CONCLUSION: The 'human touch' patients exclusively ascribe to human medical practitioners extends beyond sympathy and kindness, and has clinical relevance in medical decision-making. Because this cannot be replaced by AI, we suggest that normative research into the 'right to a human doctor' is needed. Furthermore, policies on patient-centered AI integration in clinical practice should encompass the ethics of everyday practice rather than only principle-based ethics. We suggest that an empirical ethics approach grounded in ethnographic research is exceptionally well-suited to pave the way forward.

First implantable cardiac defibrillator insertions in New South Wales, 2005-2020: an analysis of linked administrative data.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the annual numbers of first ICD insertions in New South Wales during 2005-2020; to examine health outcomes for people who first received ICDs during this period. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study; analysis of linked administrative health data. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: All first insertions of ICDs in NSW, 2005-2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Annual numbers of first ICD insertions, and of emergency department presentations and hospital re-admissions 30 days, 90 days, 365 days after first ICD insertions; all-cause and disease-specific mortality (to ten years after ICD insertion). RESULTS: During 2005-2020, ICDs were first inserted into 16 867 people (18.5 per 100 000 population); their mean age was 65.7 years (standard deviation, 13.5 years; 7376 aged 70 years or older, 43.7%), 13 214 were men (78.3%). The annual number of insertions increased from 791 in 2005 to 1256 in 2016; the first ICD insertion rate increased from 15.5 in 2005 to 18.9 per 100 000 population in 2010, after which the rate was stable until 2019 (19.8 per 100 000 population). Of the 16 778 people discharged alive from hospital after first ICD insertions, 54.4% presented to emergency departments within twelve months, including 1236 with cardiac arrhythmias (7.4%) and 434 with device-related problems (2.6%); 56% were re-admitted to hospital, including 1944 with cardiac arrhythmias (11.5%) and 2045 with device-related problems (12.1%). A total of 5624 people who received first ICDs during 2005-2020 (33.3%) died during follow-up (6.7 deaths per 100 person-years); the survival rate was 94.4% at one year, 76.5% at five years, and 54.2% at ten years. CONCLUSIONS: The annual number of new ICDs inserted in NSW has increased since 2005. A substantial proportion of recipients experience device-related problems that require re-admission to hospital. The potential harms of ICD insertion should be considered when assessing the likelihood of preventing fatal ventricular arrhythmia.

Current Trends in Biohumoral Screening for the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death: A Systematic Review.

Background and Objectives: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) represents a challenge to health systems globally and is met with increased frequency in the population. Over time, multiple screening methods have been proposed, including the analysis of various plasma biomarkers. This article aims to analyze for illustrative purposes the specialized literature in terms of current biomarkers and testing trends, in the case of cardiovascular diseases and implicitly sudden cardiac death. Materials and Methods: In this regard, we searched the PubMed database from 2010 to the present time using the keywords "sudden cardiac death" and "biomarkers". The inclusion criteria were clinical trials that analyzed the effectiveness of screening methods in terms of biomarkers used in stratifying the risk of cardiac distress and/or sudden cardiac death. We excluded reviews, meta-analyses, and studies looking at the effectiveness of treatments. Results: An extended approach was found, through studies that brought to the forefront both classical markers analyzed by new, more performant methods, markers for other pathologies that also determined cardiovascular impact, non-specific molecules with effects on the cardiovascular system, and state-of-the-art markers, such as microRNA. Some molecules were analyzed simultaneously in certain groups of patients. Conclusion: The observed current trend revealed the tendency to define the clinical-biological particularities of the person to be screened.

Expanded application of wearable cardioverter defibrillators beyond current guidelines: proposal for a European register explained through single clinical scenarios.

The wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) is becoming a more and more widely used instrument for the prevention of sudden cardiac death of patients either with a secondary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator indication or with a transient high risk of sudden cardiac death. Although clinical practice has demonstrated a benefit of protecting patients for a period as long as 3-6 months with such devices, the current European guidelines concerning ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death are still extremely restrictive in the patient selection in part because of the costs derived from such a prevention device, in part because of the lack of robust randomised trials.To illustrate expanded use cases for the WCD, four real-life clinical cases are presented where patients received the device slightly outside the established guidelines. These cases demonstrate the broader utility of WCDs in situations involving acute myocarditis, thyrotoxicosis, pre-excited atrial fibrillation and awaiting staging/prognosis of a lung tumour. The findings prompt expansion of the existing guidelines for WCD use to efficiently protect more patients whose risk of arrhythmic cardiac death is transient or uncertain. This could be achieved by establishing a European register of the patients who receive a WCD for further analysis.

Regional disparities and risk factors of mortality among patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death in emerging countries: a nonrandomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive data on patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in emerging countries are lacking. The aim was to deepen our understanding of the SCD phenotype and identify risk factors for death among patients at high risk of SCD in emerging countries. METHODS: Patients who met the class I indication for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation according to guideline recommendations in 17 countries and regions underrepresented in previous trials were enrolled. Countries were stratified by the WHO regional classification. Patients were or were not implanted with an ICD at their discretion. The outcomes were all-cause mortality and SCD. RESULTS: We enrolled 4222 patients, and 3889 patients were included in the analysis. The mean follow-up period was 21.6 ± 10.2 months. There were 433 (11.1%) instances of all-cause mortality and 117 (3.0%) cases of SCD. All-cause mortality was highest in primary prevention (PP) patients from Southeast Asia and secondary prevention (SP) patients from the Middle East and Africa. The SCD rates among PP and SP patients were both highest in South Asia. Multivariate Cox regression modelling demonstrated that in addition to the independent predictors identified in previous studies, both geographic region and ICD use were associated with all-cause mortality in patients with high SCD risk. Primary prophylactic ICD implantation was associated with a 36% (HR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.531-0.802, p < 0.0001) lower all-cause mortality risk and an 80% (HR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.116-0.343, p < 0.0001) lower SCD risk. CONCLUSIONS: There was significant heterogeneity among patients with high SCD risk in emerging countries. The influences of geographic regions on patient characteristics and outcomes were significant. Improvement in increasing ICD utilization and uptake of guideline-directed medical therapy in emerging countries is urgent. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02099721.

Team Approach: Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in the Athlete.

¼ Sudden cardiac events during sports competition are rare but tragic occurrences that require a timely, comprehensive response by well-prepared athletic trainers and medical providers. This sequence should prioritize prompt emergency medical system activation, immediate initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated early defibrillation (AED), and comprehensive advanced life support efforts.¼ Exercise-induced cardiac remodeling, referred to as the "athlete's heart," refers to a host of adaptive changes that increase cardiac chamber size and wall thickness to allow for greater pressures and volumes during exercise. This remodeling phenotype may overlap with other inherited cardiomyopathies and cardiac abnormalities, which can complicate clinical care. The long-term implications of this electrical and structural remodeling on cardiac function are unknown.¼ Although the best screening strategies to optimize primary prevention of sudden cardiac arrest is an evolving topic, the effectiveness of CPR and early defibrillation use in treating out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest has been well-established, despite their reported underuse.

Sudden cardiac death among workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a rare and yet unexplained condition. The most frequent cause is myocardial infarction, while a small proportion is due to arrhythmogenic syndromes (e.g., channelopathies). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence and risk factors associated with SCD in workers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search for eligible studies was performed utilizing three databases (PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus). The inclusion criteria were fulfilled if sudden cardiac death due to channelopathy in workers was mentioned. RESULTS: Out of the 1408 articles found across three databases, 6 articles were included in the systematic review but the meta-analysis was conducted on 3 studies The total sample included was 23,450 participants. The pooled prevalence of channelopathies in employees was 0.3% (95% CI 0.07-0.43%), of sudden cardiac death in employees was 2.8% (95% CI 0.37-5.20%), and of sudden cardiac death in employees with a diagnosis of cardiac channelopathies was 0.2% (95% CI 0.02- 0.30%). CONCLUSIONS: SCD is a serious and potentially preventable condition that can occur among workers. By identifying and addressing work-related risk factors, providing appropriate screening and interventions, and promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors, we can work to reduce the incidence of SCD and improve the cardiovascular health and well-being of workers.

[Whether to implant a defibrillator or not? The Possibility of Using the MADIT-ICD Benefit Score Calculator in Real Practice].

AIM: To study the predictive capabilities of the MADIT-ICD Benefit Score calculator in assessing the benefit of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placement for the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 388 patients with NYHA II-IV functional class chronic heart failure (CHF) with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35 % who underwent ICD placement for the primary prevention of SCD. Patients were followed up for two years to record the endpoints of first-time paroxysmal sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VT) or non-arrhythmic death. RESULTS: According to the results of calculation with the MADIT-ICD Benefit Score calculator, 276 (71 %) patients had a high risk of VT (score ≥7) and 150 (39 %) had a high risk of non-arrhythmic death (score ≥3). 336 (94%) patients would benefit from an ICD: 148 (38 %) with a high level of probability and 218 (56 %) with a medium level of probability. According to the incidence of endpoints, VT episodes predominated in the low-ICD benefit group (36%), while the high-ICD benefit group had a relatively high incidence of non-arrhythmic death (12%). CONCLUSION: The results obtained for a cohort of Russian patients with CHF and reduced LVEF indicated that the use of the MADIT-ICD Benefit Score in routine clinical practice does not improve the stratification of SCD risk compared to the traditional approach to selecting patients with CHF for ICD based on the LVEF value.

The real incidence of sudden death: Fair estimations or futile speculations?

BACKGROUND: The true incidence of sudden death remains undetermined, with controversial results from various publications over time and countries. AIM: To investigate if different estimations would reach the values usually reported for France. METHODS: Three different kinds of estimations were used. First, the number of resuscitated sudden deaths and necropsies for sudden death in the Haute-Garonne French administrative department (i.e. county) over the last 10years was expanded to the national level. Second, sudden death coding of death certificates was collected at the national level. Third, the total number of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests leading to any emergency call (with/without intervention) in Haute-Garonne over the last 10years was expanded to the national level. RESULTS: There was a mean of 26 resuscitated sudden deaths and 145 necropsies for sudden death each year in Haute-Garonne, i.e. 12 to 14 sudden deaths for 100,000 inhabitants, and 7700 to 9400 sudden deaths yearly when related to the whole French population, according to the year of inclusion. Based on death certificates, a mean of 6584 sudden deaths was registered each year in France. Finally, there were about 600 yearly calls/interventions for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in Haute-Garonne, i.e. 40 to 50 sudden deaths for 100,000 inhabitants, and 16,000 to 27,000 sudden deaths yearly for the whole French territory, according to the year of inclusion. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of sudden death ranges from 6500 to 27,000 in France according to the calculation methods. This huge difference raises the question of the true current incidence of sudden death, which may have been overestimated previously or may be underestimated in France. More straight prospective surveys are needed to solve this question, because of relevant implications for priorities that should be given to sudden death.

Detection of gene mutation in the prognosis of a patient with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), or more recently known as arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), is an heritable disorder of the myocardium characterized by progressive fibrofatty replacement the heart muscle and risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). We report a case study to demonstrate the role of gene mutation detection in risk stratification for primary prevention of SCD in a young patient diagnosed with ARVC. CASE PRESENTATION: A 15-year-old Asian (Vietnamese) male patient with no history of documented tachyarrhythmia or syncope and a family history of potential SCD was admitted due to palpitations. Clinical findings and work-up including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were highly suggestive of ARVC. Gene sequencing was performed for SCD risk stratification, during which PKP2 gene mutation was found. Based on the individualized risk stratification, an ICD was implanted for primary prevention of SCD. At 6 months post ICD implantation, the device detected and successfully delivered an appropriate shock to terminate an episode of potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmia. ICD implantation was therefore proven to be appropriate in this patient. CONCLUSIONS: While gene mutations are known to be an important factor in the diagnosis of ARVC according to the 2010 Task Force Criteria and recent clinical guidelines, their role in risk stratification of SCD remains controversial. Our case demonstrated that when used with other clinical factors and family history, this information could be helpful in identifying appropriate indication for ICD implantation.

Sudden Death In Sports: Modern Concepts.

Regular physical activity provides significant health benefits and reduces the risk of premature death from any cause, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, physical activity may provoke sudden cardiac death (SCD), especially in presence of unrecognized diseases. It is essential to identify risk factors that contribute to SCD in athletes and to implement effective prevention of such episodes. For this purpose, SCD registries are being created, medical terminology is being unified, and schedules of medical examination are being developed. The best strategy to combat SCD during sport activities is a combination of primary prevention by screening examination to identify athletes with CVD at risk and a proper planning of first aid measures during sports events, including the availability of an automatic external defibrillator on site.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Brief Overview.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex, heterogeneous disorder that affects approximately 1 in every 500 persons worldwide and about 750,000 Americans. It is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy that is usually asymmetric, with enlarged myocytes in disarray, unexplained by loading conditions. Obstruction to left ventricular outflow occurs in approximately 60% of patients. The natural history and cardiac morphology of HCM are quite heterogeneous. Although most patients with HCM are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, a minority are disabled by dyspnea, angina, or syncope, develop advanced heart failure, or die suddenly.

Evaluation of patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in a Latin American tertiary center.

INTRODUCTION: Despite advancements in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) technology, sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a persistent public health concern. Chagas disease (ChD), prevalent in Brazil, is associated with increased ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) events and SCD compared to other cardiomyopathies. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included patients who received ICDs between October 2007 and December 2018. The study aims to assess whether mortality and VT/VF events decreased in patients who received ICDs during different time periods (2007-2010, 2011-2014, and 2015-2018). Additionally, it seeks to compare the prognosis of ChD patients with non-ChD patients. Time periods were chosen based on the establishment of the Arrhythmia Service in 2011. The primary outcome was overall mortality, assessed across the entire sample and the three periods. Secondary outcomes included VT/VF events and the combined outcome of death or VT/VF. RESULTS: Of the 885 patients included, 31% had ChD. Among them, 28% died, 14% had VT/VF events, and 37% experienced death and/or VT/VF. Analysis revealed that period 3 (2015-2018) was associated with better death-free survival (p = .007). ChD was the only variable associated with a higher rate of VT/VF events (p < .001) and the combined outcome (p = .009). CONCLUSION: Mortality and combined outcome rates decreased gradually for ICD patients during the periods 2011-2014 and 2015-2018 compared to the initial period (2007-2010). ChD was associated with higher VT/VF events in ICD patients, only in the first two periods.