ICD detected patient activity is associated with arrhythmic events in heart failure patients

Abstract

Background: Although implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) reduces mortality in heart failure patients with reduced left ventricle function, arrhythmic episodes are related with increased mortality. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether low patient activity predicts arrhythmic events in the heart failure patients with primary prevention ICD. Methods: We examined 206 heart Failure (HF) patients (mean age: 61.3 ± 10.9 years, 77.7% male) with primary prevention implanted ICD who referred to our outpatient clinic for pacemaker control. After pacemaker (PM) controls, the overall study group was categorized into three distinct subgroups: Activity less than 2 h, activity 2-4 h, and activity 4-8 h in a day. Results: Activity less than 2 h had a substantially higher level of arrhythmic episodes in comparison to other groups (P < 0.05). In addition, appropriate shock or ATP (antitachycardia pacing) was detected higher in patients whose activity was less than 2 h in a day than other groups (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Detected low patient activity in ICD control may be a predictor of arrhythmic episodes and appropriate therapies. Increasing physical activity may potentially protect these patients from unwanted events.