This protocol covers the management of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in patients who have survived a cardiac arrest or who have recovered from a ventricular arrhythmia that caused haemodynamic instability — a high-risk sub-population with specific evidence-based guidance.
Patients with DCM who carry a history of survived sudden cardiac arrest, or who have recovered from a haemodynamically destabilising ventricular arrhythmia, face a substantially elevated risk of recurrent life-threatening events. This arrhythmic history on a background of dilated cardiomyopathy defines the indication for the structured approach below.
The evidence-based approach in this setting involves an implantable cardioverter-based intervention. The complete protocol — including patient selection criteria, procedural considerations, and follow-up — is available in the full regimen.
An ICD is recommended to reduce the risk of sudden death and all-cause mortality in patients with DCM who have survived a cardiac arrest or have recovered from a ventricular arrhythmia causing haemodynamic instability.
DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad194
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