Anti Arrhythmic Therapies and Sudden Cardiac Deaths
Anti Arrhythmic Therapies and Sudden Cardiac Deaths
Failing heart negative remodeling alterations might provide electrical heterogeneity and
 cardiac remodeling, thus potentially contributing to the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmia
 and subsequent sudden cardiac death (SCD). In this study we have prospectively investigated
 whether serum markers of heart failure (ultra sensitive Troponin , B type Natriuretic Peptide
 (BNP), C reactive protein (CRP), ST protein, and adiponectin could be used as predictors for
 the occurrence of malignant ventricular arrhythmias in patients who had received an
 Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention and treated by catheter
 ablation for ventricular arrhythmias.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  stable heart failure; indication for a ICD and/or a CRT-d system; NYHA Class II-III;
 left ventricle ejection fraction <35%; patients receiving optimal medical therapy.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  NYHA Class I, and IV; co-morbidities which may limit life to <6 months; history of
 cardiac surgery or intervention within the preceding 90 days; history of moderate to
 severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), defined as needing chronic oxygen
 therapy, or recent (within 30 days) hospitalization for COPD flare-up; pregnancy;
 history of primary pulmonary hypertension.