Ventricular arrhythmias in seniors with heart failure: present dilemmas and therapeutic considerations: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a global public health problem which affects over 23 million people worldwide. The prevalence of HF is higher among seniors in the USA and other developed countries. Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) account for 50% of deaths among patients with HF. We aim to elucidate on the factors associated with VAs among seniors with HF, as well as therapies that may improve outcomes. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library databases, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were searched using specific key words. The reference lists of relevant articles were searched for additional studies related to HF and VAs among seniors as well as associated outcomes. Results: The prevalence of VAs increases with worsening HF. 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram may be useful in risk stratifying patients for device therapy if they do not meet the criterion of low ventricular ejection fraction. Implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) are superior to anti-arrhythmic drugs in reducing mortality in patients with HF. Guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) together with device therapy to reduce symptoms may be required. In general, the proportion of seniors on GDMT is low. A combination of ICDs and cardiac resynchronization therapy may improve outcomes in select patients. Conclusion: Seniors with HF and VAs have a high mortality even with the use device therapy and GDMT. The holistic effect of device therapy on outcomes among seniors with HF is equivocal. More studies focused on seniors with advanced HF as well as therapeutic options is therefore required.