[Quality of life in patients after anti-arrhythmic devices implantation]

Maria Lełakowska-Piela1, Joanna Pudło2, Anna Rydlewska2

  • 1Jagiellonian University of Cracow, School of Medicine, Department of Electrocardiology, Institute of Cardiology, Poland.

Insights

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRTD) significantly improves quality of life and heart function in advanced heart failure patients. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) showed no significant improvements. Co-morbidities negatively impact outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Devices
  • Quality of Life Research

Background:

  • Advanced heart failure significantly impacts patient quality of life.
  • Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices (CRTD) are used to manage heart failure.
  • Assessing the impact of these devices on quality of life is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate changes in quality of life for advanced heart failure patients post-ICD or CRTD implantation.
  • To compare the effectiveness of CRTD versus ICD in improving quality of life and cardiac function.
  • To identify factors influencing quality of life outcomes after device implantation.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 98 advanced heart failure patients undergoing ICD or CRTD implantation.
  • Quality of life was assessed using SF-36 and DASI questionnaires before and 6 months after implantation.
  • NYHA class, ejection fraction, and co-morbidities were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • CRTD implantation led to significant improvements in quality of life, NYHA class, and ejection fraction.
  • ICD implantation did not result in significant improvements in these parameters.
  • Device interventions (cardioversions) and co-morbidities like permanent atrial fibrillation and kidney failure negatively impacted quality of life scores.

Conclusions:

  • CRTD is effective in improving quality of life and cardiac function in advanced heart failure.
  • ICD implantation alone does not significantly enhance quality of life or ejection fraction.
  • Patient co-morbidities and device-related adverse events are significant predictors of poorer quality of life outcomes.
Abstract

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