Sudden Cardiac Death in Multi-Ethnic Populations

Risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) varies greatly by ethnicity, and is particularly high in African Americans as compared to Caucasians. The reasons for these racial differences are unclear but are likely multifactorial. Possible differences in coronary and non-coronary risk factors, socioeconomic factors, and genetic factors should all be considered when investigating this observed racial disproportionality in SCD risk. Furthermore, there is a relative paucity of data on the risk of SCD in non-African American minorities, including Asian Americans and Latinos. In this paper, we will review traditional and contemporary data describing these racial differences and potential explanations for them. A careful examination of the racial differences in SCD risk can not only assist in identifying high risk populations and those who may be targeted for early intervention, but can also provide insight into the pathophysiologic mechanisms of SCD.