Sudden death in congenital heart disease

Although the expected incidence of sudden death in the general population is low and ranges from 1.3 to 8.5 per 100,000 patient years [16], the incidence is significantly higher in the cohort of patients who has congenital cardiac disease. Although the life expectancy in this population can be expected to improve, it will decrease in most patients who have significant structural congenital cardiac abnormalities. In many instances, residual hemodynamic, anatomic, or ECG abnormalities may presage sudden demise. Patients who have congenital heart disease are most often palliated, not cured, and consequently, require life-long vigilant follow-up.