Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock
06:10

Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock

Published on: June 12, 2021

Shocks burden and increased mortality in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients

Gail K Larsen1, John Evans, William E Lambert

  • 1Oregon Health and Science University, School of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA.

Heart Rhythm
|August 6, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks increase mortality risk, especially with a higher burden of shocks. Antitachycardia pacing (ATP) did not elevate mortality, suggesting shocks themselves may be harmful.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks are linked to higher mortality.
  • The precise relationship between ICD shocks and patient mortality risk remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between ICD shocks and mortality.
  • To adjust for baseline mortality risk using the Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM).

Main Methods:

  • Compared time-to-death in patients with and without ICD shocks.
  • Adjusted for SHFM scores and comorbidities.
  • Conducted subgroup analyses based on the number of shock days and antitachycardia pacing (ATP).

Main Results:

  • Over 41 months, 59% of 425 patients received shocks, and 40% died.
  • Any ICD shock increased mortality risk (HR 1.55).
  • Increased shock burden (6-10 and >10 shock days) correlated with significantly higher mortality risk.

Conclusions:

  • ICD shocks are associated with increased mortality, independent of baseline risk.
  • The number of shock days significantly influences mortality risk.
  • Antitachycardia pacing (ATP) did not increase mortality, suggesting shocks may be directly detrimental.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation16:40

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

Published on: February 28, 2012

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...
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,...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

Imbalances in Cardiac Output

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
Blood Pressure Imbalances and Circulatory Shock01:24

Blood Pressure Imbalances and Circulatory Shock

Disorders affecting blood volume, vascular tone, or vascular function can disrupt vascular homeostasis, including conditions like hypertension, hemorrhage, and shock.
Blood Pressure: Hypertension and Hypotension
Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure is 120-129/under 80 mm Hg. Hypertension, warranting treatment at 130/80 mm Hg, is often asymptomatic and can lead to severe cardiovascular events, aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, chronic renal disease, or cardiac...