Shocktivity: ability and avoidance of daily activity behaviors in ICD patients.

Background: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shocks terminate potentially life-threatening arrhythmias and may alter patient behavior. Patients are aware of which activities they have the ability to perform, but they may choose to avoid these behaviors after receiving a shock. This study examined ICD patient ability and avoidance of progressively exertive behaviors.

The Florida Shock Anxiety Scale (FSAS) for patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators: testing factor structure, reliability, and validity of a previously established measure.

Background: The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) reduces mortality in patients at risk for life-threatening arrhythmias via high energy shock. The Florida Shock Anxiety Scale (FSAS) was developed to measure ICD patient shock-related anxiety. Initial psychometric evaluation revealed good reliability and validity.