On one hand, clinicians have expressed concern that the number-needed-to-treat for primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) might be too high and that the population eligible... Show moreOn one hand, clinicians have expressed concern that the number-needed-to-treat for primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) might be too high and that the population eligible for primary prevention ICD treatment is of such magnitude that ICD therapy will strain financial resources and the pool of trained personnel. On the other hand, the currently implanted population has a relatively low incidence of ventricular arrhythmia. Therefore, additional clinically applicable tools are necessary to aid in the optimal allocation of ICD treatment. The current thesis explores possibilities for risk stratification for mortality and ventricular arrhythmia using easily available clinical parameters and evaluates the usefulness of novel, not routinely acquired parameters. The results of these studies should assist clinicians in the identification of patients who, although currently indicated, should not receive ICD treatments because of ery low risk of ventricular arrhythmia or very high risk of non arrhythmic death. Finally, this thesis clearly maps the drawbacks, accompanying ICD treatment. Show less