Background: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are effective for reducing mortality in patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD). The effects of the devices on psychological status and quality of life were poor especially in the patients who received ICD shocks. This study compared quality of life (QOL) in a group who received an ICD shock with a group who did not receive an ICD shock.
Material and Method: A prospective study enrolled patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator who came for followup at Siriraj’s device clinic between June and December 2010. These patients completed the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Questionnaire (SF-36) to assess QOL.
Results: There were 138 patients, 105 men and 33 women with a mean age of 59 completed the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Questionnaire. Sixty-seven (48.55%) patients received an ICD shock. Patients who received the shock had worse general health on the Short Form-36 Questionnaire compared with patients who had no shock (Mean 57.2+21 in shock group vs. 66.1+18 in non-shock group, p = 0.011). There was no statistically significant difference in mental health between two groups (p = 0.63). In shock group, there was no statistically significant difference in health status between appropriate, inappropriate, and appropriate-inappropriate shock groups.
Conclusion: General health in patients who had ICD shock was significantly affected in a negative manner when compared to those who had no shock.

Keywords: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator, Quality of life, Device shock and non-shock