Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
16:40

A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation

Published on: February 28, 2012

Partner quality of life in the antiarrhythmics versus implantable defibrillators trial

Louise S Jenkins1, Judy L Powell, Eleanor B Schron

  • 1Institute for Educators in Nursing and Health Professions, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA.

The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
|December 20, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Partners of patients with ventricular dysrhythmias reported stable mental quality of life but declining physical quality of life. Concerns about patient health lessened over time, but device function remained a concern.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychology
  • Quality of Life Research

Background:

  • Quality of life (QOL) in patients with ventricular dysrhythmias is well-documented.
  • Limited research exists on the QOL of partners supporting these patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the QOL of partners of patients experiencing serious ventricular dysrhythmias.
  • To assess changes in partner QOL over a 12-month period.

Main Methods:

  • A convenience sample of 124 partners of patients from the Antiarrhythmics Versus Implantable Defibrillators trial were assessed.
  • The Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Quality of Life Index were administered at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Main Results:

  • Partner SF-36 physical summary scores declined over 12 months; mental summary scores remained stable.
  • Partner concerns regarding patient death, dysrhythmia recurrence, and life enjoyment decreased over time.
  • Concerns about implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) function remained constant.

Conclusions:

  • This is the largest prospective study on the QOL of partners of patients with serious dysrhythmias.
  • Findings suggest a need for targeted support for partners to address their evolving needs and enhance QOL.
  • Results provide a foundation for future research into partner support and QOL optimization.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System10:17

Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System

Published on: April 11, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias01:25

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
Pulse rhythm01:30

Pulse rhythm

Pulse rhythm refers to the pattern of pulsations within specific intervals, offering valuable insights into the regularity or irregularity of the heart's beats as observed through the pattern of pulsation within specific intervals. A regular pulse exhibits a consistent heart rate with uniform waveforms and pulsation force, variations of which can be classified as normal, weak, or bounding.
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac muscle...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias01:30

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...