Review
Sudden Cardiac Death in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors:
Rajesh Vedanthan ,
Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, US
Valentin Fuster,
Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, US; Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, ES
Avi Fischer
Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, US
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease, and the incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD), will increase significantly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Thus, SCD threatens to become a global public health problem. We present a summary of the current research that has investigated the epidemiology of SCD in LMIC. Few studies of SCD in LMIC exist, and they are of variable methodological quality. Risk factors for SCD are described, taking into account recent global burden of disease and risk factor statistics. We describe 1 proposal for a community-based, prospective, multiple-source methodology for SCD monitoring and surveillance that can be implemented in LMIC. Further research into the epidemiology of SCD in LMIC, using standardized methodology, would allow investigators and policy makers to determine the regions, communities, and individuals most at need for SCD prevention. Focusing on SCD and its prevention in LMIC should be a priority for the global health community.
Published on
01 Dec 2012.
Peer Reviewed
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