[Sudden cardiac death (part 2)]

In addition to acute treatment of sudden cardiac death the authors focus attention in particular on an analysis of long-term diagnostic and therapeutic provisions to cope with this serious clinical condition. The basic therapeutic procedures include influencing of the arrythmogenic substrate and modulating factors associated with the development of tachyarrhythmias by revascularization of the myocardium and radiofrequency ablation; as to drugs in particular by administration of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and in rare instances by the application of other surgical methods. Haemodynamically important ventricular arrhythmias are treated by antiarrhythmics (beta-blockers, amiodarone, sotalol) and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. In the conclusion the authors propose a diagnostic therapeutic algorithm after circulatory arrest with successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation.