Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) do not decrease quality of life for patients with stable heart failure, a study from Duke University Medical Center, US, has concluded.
The randomized trial involved 2,521 patients – all receiving optimal medical therapy along with either a single-lead ICD, amiodarone or a placebo. Physical functioning did not vary significantly between the groups at baseline, 3, 12 or 30 months, while psychological well-being was significantly improved in the ICD group at 3 and 12 months but not at 30.
Receiving a shock in the month preceding assessment, however, was associated with a reduced quality of life. [N Engl J Med 2008 359(10):999-1008]
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