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Quality of life and psychological status of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators

Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology volume 17, pages 65–72 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

Introduction

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are effective at reducing mortality in patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) but can cause psychological distress and reduce quality of life (QOL). The full benefits of ICDs can only be achieved when the patient’s QOL and psychological status are maintained. We examined psychological status and QOL post ICD implantation; the relationship of psychological status to QOL; the relationship of time since implantation to psychological status and QOL; and the relationship of time since ICD implantation and age of patient to these variables.

Methods and Results

A cross-sectional self-administered assessment of QOL, depression, anxiety, demographic characteristics and cardiovascular health history of patients (n = 48) who had received ICDs within the past 10 years at an urban hospital. Patients who had ICDs for longer experienced worse depression and QOL. Patients who were younger had worse depression, anxiety, and QOL. The combination of anxiety, depression, age, and time since ICD implant significantly predicted overall QOL and the psychosocial and physical dimensions of QOL explaining 55.5, 54, and 34.9% of the variance, respectively.

Conclusion

Younger ICD patients are at highest risk for psychological distress and poor QOL. Longitudinal research would facilitate determination of the trajectory of changes in psychological status and QOL over the duration of the ICD experience.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. University of Maryland School of Nursing, 655 W. Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201-1579, USA

    E. Friedmann, S. A. Thomas, P. Inguito & C. W. Kao

  2. University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA

    M. Metcalf

  3. Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies, Washington, DC, USA

    F. J. Kelley

  4. University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA

    S. S. Gottlieb

Authors
  1. E. Friedmann
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  2. S. A. Thomas
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  3. P. Inguito
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  4. C. W. Kao
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  5. M. Metcalf
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  6. F. J. Kelley
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  7. S. S. Gottlieb
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to E. Friedmann.

Additional information

This research was partially supported by a grant from Medtronic. Dr. Thomas reports having received research funds from Medtronic. Dr. Gottlieb reports having received research grants from Medtronic and having served as a consultant to Guidant.

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Friedmann, E., Thomas, S.A., Inguito, P. et al. Quality of life and psychological status of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 17, 65–72 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10840-006-9053-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10840-006-9053-1

Keywords

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Heart failure
  • Implantable cardioverter defibrillator
  • Quality of life
  • Psychological status
  • Sickness impact profile
  • Psychological distress