Europace : European pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac electrophysiology : journal of the working groups on cardiac pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac cellular electrophysiology of the European Society of Cardiology
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Identification of risk factors for ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) occurrence in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) is reasonable, because ICD patients with multiple risk factors might benefit from more aggressive anti-arrhythmic therapy for the prevention of arrhythmic events. Furthermore, in the era of prophylactic ICD therapy and limited healthcare resources, additional markers are needed for improved patient selection. ⋯ EF<40%, permanent atrial fibrillation, and QRS>or=150 ms are independent predictors for VT/VF occurrence in predominantly secondary prophylactic ICD patients. Combining all independent predictors, we developed a risk score for VT/VF occurrence identifying a subgroup of patients with two or more risk factors who had a 100% 2-year risk. Future studies will reveal if this risk score helps to identify ICD patients suitable for empirical anti-arrhythmic therapy and to improve patient selection for prophylactic ICD therapy.