[Acceptance and quality of life after implantation of an automatic cardioverter/defibrillator].

Abstract

The cardioverter defibrillator therapy has proven to be effective in preventing sudden cardiac death. However, there are only few reports that this kind of therapy will change the life of patients. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to further evaluate this item. The quality of life of 195 patients with implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was investigated with the help of a questionnaire and a personal interview. An increased or unchanged quality of life was reported by 89% of patients. The acceptance of the therapy was high (92% of the patients). Anxiety was reported by 25% of patients, the estimation of the received shocks was depending on the amount of shocks. No influence was seen by the operative technique of implantation (epicardial versus transvenous lead system) with regard to the opinion of the patients toward the operation stress. The ICD gives a feeling of safety to 90% of the patients and this kind of therapy is marked by a high degree of acceptance.

• Authors: W Schöhl, H J Trappe, P R Lichtlen
• Journal: Zeitschrift fur Kardiologie (Z Kardiol) Vol. 83 Issue 12 Pg. 927-32 (Dec 1994) ISSN: 0300-5860 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Akzeptanz und Lebensqualität nach Implantation eines automatischen Kardioverters/Defibrillators.
• PMID: 7846932 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Activities of Daily Living (psychology)
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Anxiety (psychology)
• Defibrillators, Implantable
• Electrocardiography, Ambulatory
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Acceptance of Health Care
• Quality of Life
• Sick Role
• Ventricular Fibrillation (psychology, therapy)