Abstract des Autors

The triggering mechanisms of sudden cardiac death (SCD) are not known, and means of prevention remain poorly developed. Recent studies document a circadian variation in onset of SCD with a marked peak during the morning and a trough during the night. Weekly and seasonal patterns indicate peaks on Mondays and during the winter months. These observations suggest that disease onset may be precipitated by identifiable factors. Several reports describe possible triggers of SCD, including strenuous exercise and mental stress. The occurrence of external triggers may lead to an increased sympathetic nervous activity followed by acute changes in the coronary artery, the myocardial tissue, and the conduction system. A model is proposed to demonstrate this event cascade resulting in an increased risk of SCD. Further studies are needed to improve understanding of the acute causes of SCD and lead to better methods of preventing this catastrophic disorder. Verf.-Referat