Heart failure therapy and sudden cardiac death prevention

Primary prophylaxis of sudden cardiac death by implantable defibrillators is an accepted therapeutic strategy because sudden cardiac death is reduced by their use. However, many patients at risk of sudden cardiac death due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction also suffer heart failure symptoms. There is increasing evidence that the morbidity of heart failure can be alleviated by device therapy in which ventricular dysynchrony is improved by biventricular pacing. Both therapies in the same device can reduce both morbidity and mortality. Device therapy is an important new aspect in the field of heart failure management.