All concepts, explanations, trials, and studies have been
re-written in plain English and may contain errors. I am
not a doctor
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ICDs and Pump Failure

December 21, 2004 - Researchers analyzed data from the
MADIT-II trial to study long-term prognosis of patients
whose ICD gave life-saving zaps.
	Of 720 patients with an ICD (average follow-up 21
months), 169 patients received 701 needed ICD zaps for too-
fast heart rate. Probability of surviving at least one year
after first ICD zap for either ventricular tachycardia (VT)
or ventricular fibrillation (VF) was 80%.
	Compared to those who did NOT get any zaps from
their ICD, people who were zapped were 3 times more likely
to have heart failure episodes or die from pump failure - 
worsening CHF with weakening heart function.
	This study shows that successful appropriate ICD
shocks for VT or VF are associated with 80% survival one
year later. These patients are at increased risk for heart
failure and nonsudden cardiac death (pump failure) after
successful ICD zaps for VT or VF.
	These patients should receive special attention to
prevent and manage worsening left heart failure during
long-term follow-up.

Title:   Long-term clinical course of patients after
         termination of ventricular tachyarrhythmia by an
         implanted defibrillator.
Authors: Moss AJ, Greenberg H, Case RB, Zareba W, Hall WJ,
         Brown MW, Daubert JP, McNitt S, Andrews ML, Elkin
         AD. E-mail: heartajm@heart.rochester.edu
Source:  Circulation. 2004 Dec 21;110(25):3760-5.
         E-published 2004 Dec 6.
PMID:    15583079.