Living with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and an implantable defibrillator

Living with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a patient's perspective

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex disease characterized by thickening of the cardiac muscle. Common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue and syncope (fainting), which are often confused for other conditions. Clinical treatment focuses on the relief of symptoms with medical therapies, which provide adequate to more variable symptomatic relief. Patients may experience more severe complications that require surgical intervention, such as implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy or septal myectomy. Despite the potential impact on quality of life, the humanistic burden of HCM is not well established. Here, we present four patient testimonials that highlight challenges faced by patients and clinicians in diagnosing HCM and managing symptoms. These testimonials provide valuable information on the spectrum and expression of HCM across generations. Such testimonials can better inform disease diagnosis and monitoring, maximizing quality of life and improving disease outcome.

Experiences of adults living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator for cardiovascular disease: a systematic review of qualitative evidence

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review was to synthesize the best available qualitative evidence on the everyday life experiences of adults living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator for cardiovascular disease.

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular disease is a rising concern worldwide. The efficacy of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator as a successful treatment for cardiovascular disease has been well documented. Research suggests that living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator is complex and can cause substantial psychosocial distress that can manifest itself at various intervals over time. The first step to developing evidence-based recommendations related to the management of implantable cardioverter defibrillator-related distress is a critical appraisal and synthesis of relevant literature to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

The participants of interest were adults 18 years or older who had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator for the management of cardiovascular disease (e.g. ischemic heart disease, angina, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, congenital defect, arrhythmias, heart failure). The phenomenon of interest was the everyday life experience of adults living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. The review considered all qualitative research related to the phenomenon of interest.

METHODS

Key databases searched were PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences, Sociological Abstracts, OpenGrey, MedNar, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, Google, and Google Scholar. Published and unpublished papers and articles from 1990 to July 2018 were included in the search. The JBI approach to critical appraisal, study selection, data extraction, and synthesis for qualitative research was used throughout the review.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven papers were included in the review that yielded 143 findings and 13 categories. The methodological quality of the 27 included studies was moderate to strong. Based on ConQual scores, confidence in the synthesized findings was moderate. From this, three synthesized findings were extracted: i) living under the shadow of uncertainty, ii) orchestrating a new normal, and iii) crafting a positive vision for the future.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence suggests that while implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients do experience psychosocial distress, they gradually positively embrace the device as part of their everyday norm. Recommendations for practice and education point to the further development of best practice guidelines for implantable cardioverter defibrillator management, continuing education programs for health care providers, and strategies to support implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients and their families to cope with the device. Research that examines onset, level, and duration of implantable cardioverter defibrillator psychosocial distress is needed to target specific interventions reflective of this population's needs. While findings suggest the experiences of women living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator are similar to men, the low number of women in included studies limits the strength of this conclusion.

'Life with a device': the octogenarians' experiences with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator-a qualitative study

AIMS

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) treatment has expanded due to its effectiveness. However, there are concerns about complications, and use in the most elderly has been questioned. There is scarce data on qualitative aspects regarding experiences of living with an ICD among patients above the age of 80 years. The aim of this study was to explore octogenarians' experience, knowledge, and attitude of living with an ICD.

METHOD AND RESULTS

We used semi-structured interviews to collect data from 20 patients, aged 80-89 years (90% men). The data were then structured and analysed through deductive thematic analysis network approach using the ATLAS.ti v.8.4 software. The framework of the analysis was based on the Successful Aging Theory. Three main themes emerged regarding the patients' experiences: Life goes on; Their Health, The Janus-Faced Device; Their attitudes, and Mind the gap; Their knowledge. None of the octogenarians regretted receiving their ICD, instead, they presented with feelings such as gratitude towards the device. However, a lack of knowledge about the devices was expressed, which can be a risk for potential complications, in turn causing suffering and unnecessary concerns.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the ICD did not pose a threat towards successful ageing. It was mainly considered a life-saving device. However, the lack of knowledge might hinder informed choices close to death and contribute to ethical dilemmas when deactivation of the ICD is a reasonable option.

Current Knowledge of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Among Health Care Providers in Sweden

Introduction Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common disorder with various manifestations, including sudden cardiac death. Patients with suspected or confirmed HCM may be encountered throughout the healthcare system, especially in internal medicine and cardiology. Thus, thorough knowledge of HCM is essential among healthcare providers. Methods A web-based questionnaire was developed to assess the cross-sectional evaluation of HCM knowledge. It covered aspects such as epidemiology and diagnosis, treatment, lifestyle, risk stratification of sudden cardiac death, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator knowledge. Results In total, 123 subjects completed the survey. The mean age was 38.5 ±10.7 years and two-thirds (n=82) were females; 43.1% were physicians (non-specialist 24.4%, cardiologists 8.9%, specialist, other than cardiology 9.8%); and the remaining were nurses (nurses within cardiology 37.4%, nurses outside cardiology 19.5%). Almost all subjects had heard about the disease (95.9%) and the vast majority (77.2%) had taken part in the management of a patient with HCM. The total mean score was 15.9 ±3.9 credits and the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles were 14, 15, and 18 credits, respectively. The predefined arbitrary pass score of ≥60% was reached by 61.8%, and 20.3% were considered to pass with distinction. Physicians scored higher than nurses (70.7 ±17.0% vs 58.1 ±11.8; p<0.001). Within each professional category, there was a similar score with regard to gender. Conclusions There is a considerable lack of knowledge of HCM among healthcare professionals working within the field of internal medicine/cardiology. This insufficient knowledge may contribute to less implementation of evidence-based medicine and current guidelines, although further studies are needed to confirm this.

Shock to the Heart: Psychosocial Implications and Applications of Sudden Cardiac Death in the Young

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although rare, sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the young is a tragic event, having a dramatic impact upon all involved. The psychosocial burden associated with SCD can leave friends, families, and entire communities bereft. With only limited evidence to describe the volatile emotional reactions associated with a young SCD, there is an urgent need for care providers to better understand the psychological complexities and impacts faced by both at-risk individuals and those directly affected by these tragic events.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current knowledge of the psychosocial implications associated with SCD in the young has recently generated interest in the cardiovascular community, with the goal of addressing prevention strategies (screening), family bereavement, and the psychological impact of at-risk or surviving individuals. With the emergence of novel strategies aimed at reducing the public health impact of SCD in the young, further discussion regarding the psychosocial impact of SCD, encompassing prevention, survivorship, and the downstream communal effects of a young death is required. Support systems and intervention could assist in the management of the associated psychosocial burden, yet there is a lack of clinical guidelines to direct this form of care. There is an important need for multidisciplinary collaboration across subspecialties to provide support to grieving individuals and manage patient well-being throughout the screening process for SCD. This collaborative approach requires the integration of cardiovascular and psychological expertise where relevant.

Decision regret in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator recipients : A cross-sectional analysis on patients that regret their decision after ICD implantation

BACKGROUND

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are designed to deliver therapy in the event of malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Despite their benefits, some ICD recipients regret their decision on device implantation.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, predictors, and consequences of recipients that regretted their decision after implantation.

METHODS

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey of consecutive ICD recipients examined during a routine outpatient follow-up visit was conducted. Their level of depression and anxiety was assessed with the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using the Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire.

RESULTS

Of 434 ICD recipients invited to the study, 423 (97.5%) agreed and completed the survey, 349 (83%) had a primary prevention indication, and 339 (80%) ischemic cardiomyopathy. A total of 41 recipients (9.7%) regretted their decision to undergo ICD implantation. These patients were: (1) younger (63 versus 69 years), (2) more frequently in New York Heart Association (NYHA) ≥2 functional class (63% versus 22%), (3) had higher education levels (more than high-school: 76% versus 60%), (4) felt that preoperative information was lacking (22% versus 4%), (5) had more complications in the perioperative period (15% versus 3%), (6) felt less safe after ICD implantation (54% versus 5%), and (7) considered more frequently ICD deactivation during near end-of-life situations (54% versus 29%). Mean QOL and HADS scores were significantly worse in these patients (36 versus 30 and 12 versus 8.8 points, respectively; p < 0.01 for all).

CONCLUSION

Almost 10% of ICD recipients regretted their decision after implantation. Predictors included younger age, higher education levels, complicated perioperative period, and lack of preoperative information.

Exploring the patients’ experiences of living with a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Background:

The implantable cardioverter defibrillator provides effective treatment for the prevention of sudden cardiac arrest but significant risks associated with transvenous implantation persist. The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator has proven to be an alternative and innovative treatment option for select patients to mitigate these risks. Obtaining the patients’ perspectives can provide clinicians with essential information to guide implant selection, procedural decision-making, and support patient management. Conventional implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients have reported shock-related anxiety, fear, insufficient education, and challenges adapting to physical and psychological changes. Little evidence exists to determine whether differences between the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator and conventional implantable cardioverter defibrillator allow for the transferability of our current knowledge to the care and management of this population.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to explore patients’ experiences of living with a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator including the decision-making process, implant, and follow-up care processes.

Methods:

Using an exploratory qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone with 15 participants who underwent subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator implant.

Results:

Analysis revealed five main themes: (a) influences on decision-making; (b) unmet education needs; (c) physical impact; (d) psychological impact; and (e) recommendations.

Conclusion:

As a new technology, little knowledge of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator exists outside of the tertiary implanting sites, therefore developing new strategies to increase learning and dissemination is essential. Although similarities exist in our findings to those of conventional implantable cardioverter defibrillators, there are significant differences in the decision-making process and physical impact which require individualized care planning and development of strategies to provide a patient-centered approach to care.

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: what, when, why, for whom?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common genetic cardiovascular disorder and is associated with symptoms of heart failure and increased risk of sudden cardiac death. The most common condition is obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract. Surgical septal myectomy and alcohol septal ablation are the 2 accepted modes of septal reduction therapy and are indicated when there are advanced symptoms and a peak left ventricular outflow gradient ≥50 mmHg. Advantages of alcohol septal ablation are limited groin approach, reduction of obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract and functional improvement, but there are higher chances for intracardiac device implantation and residual obstruction. Septal myectomy offers very low mortality, absolute and immediate resolution of obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract and survival comparative to a matched general population with almost negligible residual obstruction. It is recommended that patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy should be treated at experienced centres.