Extreme Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death within Three Months after Revascularization in Patients with Ischemic Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction

Background: The risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) after coronary revascularization in patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction has not been characterized completely. This study aims to evaluate the incidence and time course of SCD after revascularization in such patients. The determinants of SCD within 3 months after revascularization were also assessed. Methods: A cohort study of patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF ≤40%), who underwent revascularization was performed. The incidence of SCD was estimated to account for the competing risk of deaths due to other causes. Results: 2317 patients were enrolled. With a median follow-up of 3.5 years, 162 (32.1%) of the 504 deaths were due to SCD. The risk of SCD was highest in the first 3 months after revascularization, with an incidence rate of 0.37%/month. The event rate decreased to 0.12%/month, 0.08%/month, 0.09%/month, 0.14%/month, and 0.19%/month at 3–6 months, 6–12 months, 1–3 years, 3–5 years, and 5–10 years, respectively. A history of ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (hazard ratio [HR], 5.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33–23.19; p = 0.019) and triple vessel disease (HR, 3.90; 95% CI, 1.38–11.05; p = 0.010) were associated with the risk of SCD within 3 months. However, preoperative EF (in 5% increments) was not predictive (HR per 5% increase, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.62–1.55; p = 0.935). Conclusions: For patients with LV dysfunction, the risk of SCD was the highest during the first 3 months after revascularization. Further risk classification and treatment strategy are warranted. Clinical Trial Registration: The name of the registry: Coronary Revascularization in Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure and Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death. Registration number: ChiCTR2100044378.