Juniper Publishers Journal of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Therapy

JUNIPER PUBLISHERS - OPEN ACCESS JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY & CARDIOVASCULAR THERAPY Abstract The sympathetic nervous system is a key component of the generation of many life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias [ 1 ]. Various medical therapies target the sympathetic nervous system, with the goal of diminishing ventricular arrhythmias, ultimately for the protection of the structural and functional integrity of cardiac tissue. Ventricular arrhythmias that are refractory to medical management can contribute to degeneration of cardiomyocyte and can lead to the development of heart failure and increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. This article will review the relevant literature surrounding medical and surgical management of refractory ventricular arrhythmia, and determine if there is evidence to support the recommendation of bilateral upper thoracic sympathectomy as a beneficial option for management. Keywords: Ventricular arrhythmia; Thoracic sympathectomy; Stellate ganglia...

JUNIPER PUBLISHERS - OPEN ACCESS JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY & CARDIOVASCULAR THERAPY   Abstract Sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a major health issue for several reasons: from its prevalence (20% of total mortality in the industrialized world) to the devastating psycho-social impact on the families of the patients. Also, due to poor understanding of etiologies and how to manage properly, it represents a challenge for cardiologists [ 1 ]. This review article aimed to summarize the methods currently used as risk stratifies for SCD. Keywords: Sudden cardiac death; Risk stratifies; Ventricular fibrillation; Left ventricular ejection fraction; Signal-averaged ECG; Heart rate variability Introduction Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is defined as the natural death from cardiac causes heralded by abrupt loss of consciousness within 1 hour of the onset of an acute change in cardiovascular status. Preexisting heart disease may or may not be present...