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  • Title: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks are prospective predictors of anxiety.
    Author: Schulz SM, Massa C, Grzbiela A, Dengler W, Wiedemann G, Pauli P.
    Journal: Heart Lung; 2013; 42(2):105-11. PubMed ID: 23110854.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVES: To examine the temporal contingency of anxiety and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy (anti-tachycardia-pacing and shocks to prevent ventricular tachycardia and/or fibrillation). BACKGROUND: It is under debate whether anxiety is a precursor and/or consequence of ICD-therapy. METHODS: In a prospective longitudinal study, fifty-four patients undergoing first-time ICD-implantation were assessed for anxiety, frequency of ICD-shocks and anti-tachycardia-pacing up to two days before ICD-implantation (T0) and twelve months later (T1). RESULTS: Anxiety at T0 did not predict frequency of ICD-shocks at T1, but ICD-shocks significantly predicted increased anxiety at T1. In contrast, anxiety at T0 and T1 was unrelated to frequency of anti-tachycardia-pacing. Effects remained stable when we controlled for potentially confounding variables (e.g. age, sex, cardiac health and depression at T0). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that repeated ICD-shocks are a cause of anxiety in ICD-patients rather than a consequence, thus shock frequency should be minimized.
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