Medical Decision-Making and Revascularization in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) is the most common underlying etiology of heart failure in the United States and is a significant contributor to deaths due to cardiovascular disease worldwide. The diagnosis and management of ICM has advanced significantly over the past few decades, and the evidence for medical therapy in ICM is both compelling and robust. This contrasts with evidence for coronary revascularization, which is more controversial and favors surgical approaches. This review will examine landmark clinical trial results in detail as well as provide a comprehensive overview of the current epidemiology, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies of ICM.

Keywords: Coronary artery bypass grafting; Coronary artery disease; Heart failure; Ischemic cardiomyopathy; Myocardial viability; Percutaneous coronary intervention; Revascularization.