Predictive Value of the Electrical Risk Score for Ventricular Arrhythmias in Heart Failure Patients with Primary Prevention Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators

Background

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are essential for the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in heart failure (HF); however, appropriate shocks increase mortality and impair quality of life. The electrical risk score (ERS) is an electrocardiographic (ECG)-based composite index with proven prognostic value, but its ability to predict ventricular arrhythmias in HF remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the predictive value of the ERS for ventricular arrhythmia-related ICD shocks in HF patients undergoing primary prevention ICD implantation.