Prognostic relevance of new onset arrhythmia and ICD shocks in primary prophylactic ICD patients

ConclusionMore than half of primary prophylactic ICD patients with SR at baseline develop new AF or VT/VF after 6  years. New onset arrhythmias of AF and VT/VF are independent prognostic factors for increased mortality in primary prophylactic ICD patients. ICD shocks itself, inappropriate or appropriate, are not additionally associated with a worse outcome. These results support the hypothesis that in clinical practice rather the arrhythmia than the ICD shock itself is responsible for a deteriorated prognosis.
Source: Clinical Research in Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research