Risk stratification of sudden cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the most devastating complication of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The greatest challenge in the management of HCM is identifying those at increased risk as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a potentially life-saving therapy. We sought to summarize the available data on SCD in HCM and provide a clinical perspective on the current differing and somewhat conflicting data on risk stratification. Additionally, we sought to learn more about the actual implementation of guidelines by HCM experts worldwide. The HCM Risk-SCD model improves risk stratification of HCM patients for primary prevention of SCD, and calculating an individual risk estimate contributes to the clinical decision-making process. Improved risk stratification is important for decision-making before ICD implantation for primary prevention of SCD.