Experts of the Heart Rhythm Section of the Polish Cardiac Society: opinion on the use of wearable cardioverter-defibrillators in Poland

Abstract

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of the main causes of mortality in developed countries. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) have become a widely used and efficient method for SCD prevention in high-risk populations. Nevertheless, there are clinical situations in which the benefit of ICD is uncertain, such as: early postinfarction left ventricular dysfunction, reversible causes of cardiomyopathy, presence of temporary or permanent ICD contraindications in high-risk populations, or when ICD is not accepted by SCD prevention candidates. Wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) can be an alternative option in these clinical circumstances. However, even though WCDs are available in the United States and many countries of Western Europe, they are still not available in Poland. The authors present clinical and organisational recommendations for WCD use in Poland, with respect to medical evidence.