Patients' attitudes and perceptions of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: potential barriers to appropriate primary prophylaxis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Primary prophylaxis with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) improves mortality in patients at risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, ICDs are highly underutilized. We explored patients' attitudes and perceptions of ICDs to better understand potential patient-related barriers to appropriate utilization. METHODS: Records of patients visiting three outpatient cardiology clinics (June 2009-January 2010) were reviewed and 133 with ejection fractions