Deceleration capacity: A novel predictor for total mortality in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Objectives: We hypothesized that deceleration capacity (DC), a novel marker of cardiac autonomic modulation, is an independent predictor for mortality in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NICM).

Background: NICM is associated with a high risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD). However there are no clinically established parameters available for risk stratification beyond LVEF.

[Nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Parameters of autonomic tone].

Background: Nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathies (DCM) are the most common reason for heart failure in developed countries after ischemic disease. They often lead to device therapy. Left ventricular ejection fraction as a single parameter to identify patients at risk for sudden cardiac death revealed inconclusive data in patients with DCM.