SCD-HeFT: Frequency of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia associated with mortality

Heart Rhythm Society 32nd Annual Scientific Sessions

SAN FRANCISCO — The number of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia episodes that patients with HF experience is linked with mortality, results from a study presented at the Heart Rhythm Society’s 32nd Annual Scientific Sessions indicated.

Researchers for the Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure Trial (SCD-HeFT) enrolled 2,521 patients with NYHA Class II or III HF and with an ejection fraction of at least 35%, of whom 2,040 had readable 24-hour Holter monitoring data. Holter monitoring data were obtained 2 weeks before randomization to placebo, amiodarone or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. The researchers evaluated the Holter data and characterized non-sustained (≥3 beats in <30 seconds) ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), identifying it as at least 120 beats/minute. Holter staff and physician readers were blinded to clinical parameters, randomization and status outcomes. Cox regression models were used to identify prognostic baseline covariates such as age, ejection fraction and NYHA Class.

According to the researchers, no NSVT was observed in 1,367 (67%) patients on baseline monitoring; at least one 1 episode was seen in 673 (33%) patients; at least two episodes were seen in 402 (20%) patients; and at least three episodes in 291 patients (14%). The mean NSVT rate was 155 beats/minute, with a mean duration of 4.5 beats. They determined that at least two NSVT episodes were predictive of overall mortality.

“The presence of only one episode of NSTV on the baseline Holter monitoring did not confer an increase in overall mortality, whereas >2 NSVT episodes did confer increased overall mortality compared to less frequent NSVT episodes,” the researchers concluded in an abstract.

For more information:

Moore H. # P01-87. Presented at: Heart Rhythm Society 32nd Annual Scientific Sessions; May 4-7, 2011; San Francisco.

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