Functional Energetics and Imaging for Phenotypic Characterization of Patients at Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death

What this Trial Is About

Sudden cardiac death is a serious condition affecting all age groups, and its occurrence is rising. This research evaluates whether new imaging methods, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), can help identify patients at highest risk for sudden death. The study focuses on individuals with heart disease and weakened heart muscles who are at risk due to abnormal heart electrical activity. Participants are patients who have been recommended for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to prevent sudden death. This study observes these patients to see if MRI or multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scans can predict who might need the ICD to respond to dangerous heart rhythms. There is no experimental treatment; instead, the study collects imaging data alongside standard care. During the study, participants will undergo imaging tests and be monitored every six months for sudden cardiac death, cardiovascular death, and appropriate ICD discharges. Researchers will also track hospital admissions for heart failure. The study lasts over several years, with evaluations to understand the relationship between imaging findings and cardiac events, helping to identify patients at greatest risk.

Imaging Techniques for Identifying Factors of Sudden Cardiac Death Risk