RT Journal
A1 Zimetbaum PJ
T1 A 59-year-old man considering implantation of a cardiac defibrillator
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2007
FD May 2
VO 297
IS 17
SP 1909
OP 1916
DO 10.1001/jama.297.17.1909
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.297.17.1909
AB Nearly 450 000 individuals experience sudden cardiac death yearly in the United States. A history of prior myocardial infarction with resultant left ventricular dysfunction identifies a group at particularly high risk of sudden arrhythmic death. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators have proven highly effective at reducing this risk and are now increasingly implanted in patients with this risk profile. The case of Mr M, a 59-year-old man with a history of myocardial infarction, low ejection fraction, and mild congestive heart failure, who is considering implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement, illustrates the issues in having a device implanted as a prophylactic measure as well as increasing concerns due to device recalls and malfunction. A thorough discussion of the benefits and risks associated with this therapy is necessary for patients and physicians to make appropriate decisions with regard to the primary prevention of sudden death.