Shocks from an ICD can cause PTSD #ACC11

I'm in New Orleans attending the ACC.11 & i2 Summit 2011. One of the sessions I attended was around electrophysiology topics. Shocks delivered from ICDs (implantable cardioverter defibrillators) can significant affect quality of life (QOL). After all, if you feel like you're being hit by a truck in your chest, that can leave a lasting impact. That impact can be so significant that it may even cause PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) in some patients.

Have you ever thought about that?

If you're recommending a life-saving intervention like an ICD, that patient may experience a traumatic life-saving "shock" that may ultimately cause a severe anxiety disorder.