Driving for people with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Magali Duval, RN Bscn
Pacemaker/Defibrillator clinic, Laval Hospital

Heart failure is a cardiovascular problem that affects most of the population who have a cardioverter-defibrillator. In this article I will talk about heart failure and its connection with regards to a cardioverter-defibrillator.

Heart failure is characterised by the incapability of the heart to pump a sufficient quantity of blood in response to the bodies needs. It develops progressively and is manifested by fatigue, shortness of breath and edema (swelling).

There are many causes for heart failure, some are:

-    Cardiac arrest or cardiac disease
-    Hypertension
-    Infection or mechanical problems with cardiac valves
-    Viral infection of cardiac muscle
-    Chronic drug or alcohol abuse

To diagnose heart failure, a patient will have to have some tests performed that will indicate the level of deficiency of the hearts pump. In particular:

-    Chest x-ray
-    Electrocardiogram
-    Echocardiogram
-    Cardiac catheterization
-    Nuclear medicine exam

The goal of the treatment of heart failure is to reduce the symptoms and improve the quality of life. This includes, but is not limited to, controlling the risk factors like smoking, hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle and alcoholism.

Controlling these risk factors is possible through the use of appropriate medications, changing eating habits and through physical exercise. In certain cases, cardiac resynchronisation (biventricular system) is required.

Cardioverter-defibrillator (defibrillator)

Patients who are in heart failure have an elevated risk of becoming a victim of a fatal arrhythmia. Various studies have shown that defibrillators considerably reduce the mortality rate of patients with moderate heart failure. This is the reason why people who have never suffered from an arrhythmia may still have a defibrillator.

In hopes that this has helped clear things up for you,

References:

Daily Life With Heart Failure,
Danielle Beaudoin RN BScn, Laval Hospital

Medical/Surgical Nursing Care,
Volume 2, Shannon R. Dirksen, Margaret M. Heitkemper, Sharon M. Lewis