Czynniki wpływające na jakość życia u pacjentów z kardiowerterem-defibrylatorem serca Factors modyfying quality of life in patients treated with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are the gold standard therapy for patients at high risc for ventricular tachyarrhythmias. The ICD automatically delivers lifesaving electrical shocks to prevent them from sudden cardiac death. Althoguh acceptance of ICD is generally quite good, given the alternative of death due to arrhythmia, the overall benefit of the ICD in terms quality of life may be diminished because of fear of shock, reduced daily activity patterns, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Our review reflects the present state of knowledge about the factors modyfying quality of life in patients treated with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. (Folia Cardiol. 2006; 13: 171–177)