HONnews PATIENT / PARTICULIER PROFESSIONNEL DE SANTE WEBMESTRE

Other news for: • Depression • Mental Health   Resources from HONselect People With Implantable Defibrillators May Need More Mental Health Support American Heart Association statement notes risk of depression, anxiety, PTSD By Robert Preidt WEDNESDAY, Sept. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder are common among people with implanted heart defibrillators, but improved patient education and ongoing psychological support can help them cope. That's the message in a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) restores normal heart rhythm and prevents sudden cardiac death. "A shock from an ICD can be lifesaving, but it can also affect a person's quality of life and psychological state," statement writing group chair Sandra Dunbar said in an AHA news release. "It's important to look at this issue now because 10,000 people have an ICD implanted each month. They range from older people with severe heart failure to healthy children who have a gene that increases the risk of sudden cardiac arrest." Before they receive an implantable defibrillator, patients should be provided with clear information about the benefits and limitations of the device, their prognosis, and the impact it will have on their lifestyle, including activity and work, the statement recommends. Patients with implantable defibrillators should undergo regular screening and receive appropriate treatment for anxiety, depression and PTSD. The statement recommends that doctors and nurses should: Ensure that patients understand that the ICD protects against sudden death but does not improve their underlying heart condition unless the device does other things, such as certain types of pacing. Assess patients' concerns and psychological status at each follow-up visit. Develop a clear plan so that patients and family members know what to do if an ICD delivers a shock to correct heart rhythm. Provide gender-specific, age-appropriate information for children and their families. "Experiencing a shock is distressing and patients have a wide variety of responses," Dunbar said. "Some find it very reassuring that it's working, while others find the actual physical sensations frightening and overwhelming. That's why we suggest that clinicians provide an ongoing assessment of ICD patients' psychological needs." The statement was published in the Sept. 24 issue of the journal Circulation. More information The Heart Rhythm Society has more about implantable cardioverter defibrillators. SOURCE: American Heart Association, news release, Sept. 24, 2012 Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved. URL:http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?id=668887 Resources from HONselect: HONselect is the HON's medical search engine. It retrieves scientific articles, images, conferences and web sites on the selected subject. • Heart • Mental Health • Depression • Association • Anxiety • Death • Family • Death, Sudden, Cardiac • Risk The list of medical terms above are retrieved automatically from the article. Disclaimer: The text presented on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is for your information only and may not represent your true individual medical situation. Do not hesitate to consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified healthcare professional. Be advised that HealthDay articles are derived from various sources and may not reflect your own country regulations. The Health On the Net Foundation does not endorse opinions, products, or services that may appear in HealthDay articles.

Home About us MediaCorner HON newsletter Site map Ethical policies Contact

/News/HSN/668887.html

last modified: May 1 2013

© copyright HON 2013