Echocardiographic strain and mechanical dispersion for prediction of sudden cardiac death

Echocardiographic strain and mechanical dispersion for prediction of sudden cardiac death and malignant ventricular arrhythmias.

Our prediction tools for working out who is a risk from sudden cardiac death are limited, particularly in patients with only a small amount of heart damage. Using a new technology in cardiac ultrasound (or echocardiography/echo), called strain imaging, we are able to better identify patients in need of an internal cardiac defibrillator (ICD).

An ICD is used to treat people with life-threateningly abnormal heart rhythms. It gives the heart electric pulses or shocks to get the rhythm back to normal and prevent sudden cardiac death. Improved identification of patients in need of an ICD will ensure that those who have suffered mild to moderate heart failure, and are at risk of sudden cardiac death, could now receive this life saving device. Early identification and intervention of this kind has the potential to save a significant number of lives in the future.

This study has analysed the echo images of over 1000 patients to discover what information from strain imaging is useful to predict risk of sudden cardiac death. Results for this study would be available in 2018.