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Low EF not always best indicator for ICD placement....
Just came across this article for those considering an ICD and those wondering what, if any, benefit they may get:
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Implantation
Reduced left ventricular systolic function (LVEF ≤35 %) remains the sole arbiter in international guidelines for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy in heart failure patients.9,10 Paradoxically, 70–80 % of those who suffer sudden cardiac death (SCD) have an ejection fraction (EF) of >35 %45,46 and up to half of patients who currently receive an ICD never use it.47 The field has recently become even more controversial following the recent Danish Study to Assess the Efficacy of ICDs in Patients with Non-ischemic Systolic Heart Failure on Mortality (DANISH), which included 1,116 participants.48 In this very well conducted study, patients with a NICM and EF <35 % were randomised to ICD or no ICD and followed up for a mean period of 68 months. There was no difference in the primary outcome of death from any cause, although there was a reduction in sudden death.
It's in Cardiac Failure Review Volume 2, Issue 3, winter 2017
Hope it helps someone out there.
5 Comments
Didn't mean to depress....
by BOBTHOM - 2018-07-28 00:00:22
Sorry, didn't mean to depress anyone. I'm just one of those types that needs all the info I can find so I can properly manage my care. My first event happened April 1997 and I'm still here! The more info you have the more you can discuss with your doctors and make sure you are getting the proper treatment that will specifically benefit you!
AgentX86....
by BOBTHOM - 2018-07-28 00:04:58
I see where you might have gotten confused. You need to read it as one (run on) sentence,
"Reduced left ventricular systolic function (LVEF ≤35 %) remains the sole arbiter in international guidelines for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy in heart failure patients".
Doesn't sound like your brother is a heart failure patient so doctors used other guidelines.
Hope that clears up the confusion!
my experience
by Uelrindru - 2018-12-13 23:28:11
I got mine for ventricular fib. I have a low e rate and a thrombis in my left vertical which have cause me to go into a FAST rhythm. I hit 200 bpm while at the hospital, needed to have chest compressions and a shock. it wasnt even a discussion. I feel like it's helped and the peace of mind it gives me aree enough to be happy with.
You know you're wired when...
Your ICD has a better memory than you.
Member Quotes
The pacer systems are really very reliable. The main problem is the incompetent programming of them. If yours is working well for you, get on with life and enjoy it. You probably are more at risk of problems with a valve job than the pacer.
LVRF is the sole arbiter? Really?
by AgentX86 - 2018-07-22 21:34:30
AFAIK, those who have a history of ventricular tachcardia are often prescribed an ICD, as well. My brother has an ICD and I don't believe he has a low LVEF. His issue was a stroke a decade back that caused confusion between a nerve on his left side and the heart. If he gets bumped on the side, his heart will stop and down he goes. The ICD is there to restart his heart.