Prevention of sudden cardiac death and diabetes mellitus

Appropriate medical therapy and revascularization play a pivotal role in preventing or treating myocardial infarction and left ventricular systolic dysfunction, thereby reducing the incidence of SCD. Nevertheless, the ever-growing population of diabetic patients with coronary artery disease, prior myocardial infarction, and left ventricular systolic dysfunction continue to comprise a high-risk population. Thus, appropriate screening and utilization of ICD therapy will remain essential modalities in the ongoing battle against SCD. The use of devices capable of both biventricular pacing and ICD therapy will continue to grow in the ongoing effort to improve both quality of life and mortality in patients with systolic congestive heart failure.