Implantable Defibrillators Do Not Diminish Quality of Life

09/30/08 Prevention

Because of the social and psychological issues associated with implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs), doctors have long felt it important to know more about how patients react to the devices.

New research from the Sudden Cardiac Death Heart Failure Trial has shown that ICDs do not significantly alter peoples’ lives. The study followed 2,521 patients over five years. All patients received state-of-the art medication for heart failure. One-third of the patients were randomly assigned to receive an ICD; a second group received amidarone, an anti-arrhythmia drug (medication that slows the heartbeat); and a third group was given an amidarone placebo.

The study, undertaken at the Duke Clinical Research Institute, found that patients with the ICDs had a somewhat higher quality of life in early years of the trial when compared with other groups. However, by 30 months, all differences in quality of life disappeared. Patients in all groups of the study reported that, despite having significant heart failure, they mostly had the energy to do what they wanted to do including driving a car and managing their finances independently. Living with an ICD did not appear to adversely affect these activities.

An ICD is a small device implanted in a patient’s chest and designed to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in people at high risk. The device monitors the patient’s heartbeat to detect a fast, abnormal rhythm (arrhythmia) and, when needed, delivers a jolt of electricity to restore normal rhythm. Some patients describe the shock as painful or unsettling. In addition, people who have an ICD are advised to avoid strong electric or magnetic fields including MRI machines, stereo speakers, and airport security wands; and to keep cell phones six inches from their ICD and avoid storing them on the same side of the body as their device.

The study investigators pointed out that medical intervention such as an ICD almost always brings unintended consequences along with the benefits. Based on the study, they report that ICD users as a whole seem satisfied with the benefits and consequences of defibrillator therapy.

Mari S. Gold is has written for The New York Times, American Profile, Relish Magazine, TravelSmart, Indianapolis Monthly, and numerous e-zines. An avid cook and foodie, she contributes restaurant reviews to Zagat Guides and The Vermont News Guide, and is working on a young adult novel with a food theme. Married with grown children and two cats, she divides her time between New York City where she is director of communications for a major health care organization, and Dorset, Vermont.