Final answer:
HCM patients at high risk for SCD have factors including a history of cardiac arrest, family history of SCD, and more. Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs) can be essential for these high-risk patients to prevent SCD by interrupting dangerous arrhythmias.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major Risk Factors for SCD in HCM Patients
Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) may have an increased risk for Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD). Several established major risk factors for SCD in these patients include a history of cardiac arrest, documented ventricular arrhythmias, a family history of SCD, unexplained syncope, extreme left ventricular hypertrophy, abnormal blood pressure response during exercise, and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia observed on Holter monitoring. Additionally, those with underlying atherosclerosis have a higher risk of myocardial infarction or stroke, which can exacerbate the condition and increase the risk of SCD.
When it comes to the use of an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD), this is determined based on individual risk assessment. An ICD can interrupt heart arrhythmias and is especially recommended for high-risk patients. ICDs may be critical in preventing SCD by delivering an electrical shock to reset the heart's rhythm during a life-threatening arrhythmia.