The use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators in Iceland: a retrospective population based study.

Background: Indications for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation have expanded considerably in recent years, resulting in steadily growing numbers of ICD recipients worldwide. The aim of this study was to review the overall experience with ICDs in Iceland.

Methods: This was a retrospective single centre study set at the University Hospital in Iceland.

Health-related quality of life of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators compared with that of pacemaker recipients.

Aims: Studies indicate a poorer quality of life (QoL) for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients than for the general population. However, studies comparing the QoL of ICD patients with that of patients with other implantable cardiac devices are scarce. We hypothesized that ICD patients had a poorer QoL than pacemaker patients.