RISK MODEL MAY IDENTIFY ICD PATIENTS AT HIGHEST RISK OF DEATH

 "A risk model comprised of seven clinical and demographic characteristics may help identify the 10% to 20% of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) patients at highest risk of death," according to a study published online in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Investigators found that "the predictive covariates are chronic kidney disease, age 75 or older, COPD, diabetes, NYHA class III, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤20%, and atrial fibrillation." The researchers reported that "patients with the highest risk in this model had a 3-year mortality rate of 65%."

POSTED BY:  Steven Almany M.D.