Surface mapping and magnetoelectrocardiography

The most reliable predictor for sudden cardiac death is reduced systolic function of the left ventricle. There is no established single noninvasive electrophysiological parameter for detecting high risk patients for sudden cardiac death, although a combination of several parameters might be useful. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is widely used as a standard diagnostic tool, but there are certain limitations, as some ECGs may not provide sufficient information required for clinical decision as in patients with baseline ECG abnormalities, e.g., with ventricular hypertrophy, ischemic heart disease, or use of certain medications. Patients with a normal or nonspecific ECG, in spite of latent cardiac disease, are less likely to be hospitalized and consequently suffer adverse events, including increased mortality.1 Therefore, it is essential to have additional diagnostic tools to increase the probability of detecting individuals who are likely to suffer from adverse cardiac events.