Abstract

Sudden cardiac death is defined as death that occurs within one hour after the onset of symptoms in the presence and not witnessed cases within the last 24 hours of having seen life. Its annual incidence in the world is between 4-5 million cases. Approximately 90-95% of victims of sudden cardiac death suffered from structural heart disease. Ischemic heart disease is the main cause in people older than 35 years and the congenital and hereditary affectations in young adults between 18-35 years. The etiology of sudden cardiac death can be classified as coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, hereditary diseases and acquired heart disease. Being atherosclerosis and dilated cardiomyopathy the most frequent and congenital cardiopathies, the one with the highest mortality due to sudden cardiac death is the coarctation of the aorta. Multiple mechanisms can lead to sudden cardiac death such as ventricular fibrillation, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and pulseless electrical activity. However, at the right time. Through the prevention of modifiable risk factors and with the adequate control of the no -modifiable ones, as well as the optimization of therapeutics, the incidence of sudden cardiac death can be reduced.

Key words: Sudden cardiac death; cardiac malformations; cardiomyopathy; congenital heart disease in adults