Living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator - Impact on the patient, family, and society

By improving survival, the advent of implantable cardioverter defibrillator s (ICDs) creates a new patient population that is distinct from the general cardiac population. In these patients, focus is shifting from evaluating t he physical response of the treatment to evaluating the emotional, spiritua l, and psychological responses. Until now, the effect of this treatment on families and society at large has been underestimated. Cardiovascular nurse s are continually being challenged in meeting the unique needs of ICD patie nts, assisting patients and their families to develop coping strategies, an d empowering these people to live full and active lives in society.