QUALITY-OF-LIFE IN PATIENTS RECEIVING IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATORS AT OR BEFORE AGE 40

As the use of ICDs increases, more young patients will be eligible to receive these devices. Such patients may have different concerns than older patients who more commonly receive ICDs. We investigated quality -of-life issues in patients followed by the Yale electrophysiology ser vice who were less than or equal to 40 years old (mean = 28) at the ti me of ICD implant. Mean time since ICD placement was 3.3 years. Each p atient received a modified SF-36 health questionnaire; 16 (88%) of 18 responded. Nine were women; ten were married. The highest education le vel attained was high school for 6 (37%), and college or beyond for 10 (63%). Ten patients were employed; eight held She same job before and after ICD placement. Four women conceived after ICD implantation; one experienced ICD discharge during pregnancy. All delivered healthy inf ants. All patients felt their health was good to excellent, with 6 (38 %) reporting an improvement in health since ICD placement. All felt ca pable of performing the activities of daily living, while 68% engaged freely in moderate physical activities. All patients felt they were av erage to very attractive. However, 63% worried about how their clothes fit with the ICD. Three quarters of the patients felt the ICD interfe red with social interactions, while 50% were concerned about sexual en counters. Thus, even though these young patients have body image conce rns and may limit their activities to some degree, they are productive , active members of society who have benefitted from ICD placement.