Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is defined as a non-violent death that cannot be explained, occurring less than 24 hours from the onset of symptoms. [1]
Out of all antiarrhythmic agents, only beta-blockers have been shown to be effective at reducing the risk of SCD. According to a new meta-analysis of all randomized control studies evaluating beta blockers vs. placebos, beta-blockers reduce the risk of SCD by 31%, cardiovascular death (CVD) by 29% and all-cause mortality by 33%. These results confirm the mortality benefits of these drugs and they should be recommended to all patients similar to those included in the trials.
[1] The International Classification of Diseases Version 10 ( ICD-10; Code No. 146.1) Geneva, Switzerland: WHO Press; 2010.