Effect of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator on quality of life — a review of research

Abstract

Implantation of cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) to reduce mortality in patients at high risk of life threatening ventricular arrhythmias has become treatment of choice. Population of patients with ICD has been dynamically increasing. Recently there has been growing interest in quality of life (QoL) in this group of patients. Results of studies remain controversial. The aim of this paper is to provide a systematic review of studies dedicated to the influence of therapy with the use of ICD on QoL.