SCD-HeFT Risk Calculator

SCD-HeFT Risk Calculator: Explanation and Clinical Context The Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure Trial (SCD-HeFT) evaluated the role of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The study enrolled patients with ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy, NYHA class II–III, and LVEF ≤35%. This calculator provides an approximate estimation of the 3-year all-cause mortality risk based on key clinical predictors commonly associated with outcomes in heart failure populations similar to those in SCD-HeFT.

It can assist clinicians in identifying patients who may derive the greatest survival benefit from ICD implantation. A lower estimated risk suggests a lower likelihood of sudden death benefit, while a higher risk indicates potential competing risks from progressive pump failure. This model is educational and not intended to replace validated institutional or commercial ICD risk calculators.