Diabetes and sudden cardiac death

Abstract

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) has been associated with diabetes, although it is unclear whether diabetes is a risk factor for SCD. Diabetes is a risk factor for common preventable comorbidities associated with SCD, including coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction, and heart failure. Researchers are seeking ways to measure susceptibility to SCD, but because of SCD's multifactorial development, most likely no single test will be able to identify at-risk individuals. Until tests with proven predictive value are available, preventive efforts should focus on slowing the progression or development of cardiovascular diseases that frequently cause SCD. This can be accomplished by promptly initiating ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers, antiplatelet agents (aspirin), and possibly statin therapy for CAD, hypertension, and/or hypercholesterolemia. SCD prevention strategies for the general population are the same as those for patients with diabetes. © 2000 - 2013 Jobson Medical Information LLC unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.