Abstract
ICD shocks can save lives but are associated with a reduced quality of life and may herald a deterioration of the underlying heart disease. Optimization of ICD programming can prevent inappropriate and unnecessary shocks which may be associated with an improved survival, as recent studies showed. This review provides recommendations on the use of enhanced detection criteria, antitachycardia pacing, tachycardia detection rates, and delayed tachycardia detection to minimize shock discharges in ICD patients.
