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Body image changes associated with dual-chamber pacemaker insertion in women
Leslie L Davis1, Kimberly A Vitale, Claudia A Irmiere
1University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
Heart & Lung : the Journal of Critical Care
|September 30, 2004
Summary
Most patients with dual-chamber pacemakers reported no significant body image changes. Pacemaker site and scar did not affect self-perception or concerns about appearance.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Body image is a crucial aspect of quality of life.
- Pacemakers, while life-saving, can potentially impact body image due to device presence and surgical scarring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate body image alterations in individuals undergoing a long-term, multicenter pacemaker trial.
- To assess patient perceptions of their pacemaker's effect on self-image and social interactions.
Main Methods:
- 383 adult participants from a multicenter trial completed questionnaires at study closeout.
- Evaluated the impact of dual-chamber pacemakers, including the device site and scar, on patients and their significant others.
Main Results:
- A majority reported no change in body image perception (73.2%) or concerns about the pacemaker scar (87.1%).
- Most participants were unconcerned about clothing fit (92.0%) and wearing swimwear (90.7%).
- Women showed greater concern regarding body image, clothing fit, and swimwear due to the pacemaker site and scar compared to men.
Conclusions:
- The majority of participants experienced no significant negative impact on body image from their pacemakers.
- While most were unconcerned, gender-specific differences in body image perception related to pacemakers were observed.