Incidence of sudden cardiac death is elevated in elderly individuals owing to increasing prevalence of coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure in this population. A substantial proportion of primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices are being implanted in these patients; thus, additional outcomes data are needed. In this Review, Tung and Albert examine the causes of SCD in elderly individuals and discuss the existing evidence for effectiveness of ICD therapy and CRT in this growing population.
- Patricia Tung
- Christine M. Albert
