Older Patients May Benefit from Implantable Cardiac Devices

Overall health, not simply age, should be the primary consideration in deciding if an implantable cardioverter defibrillator should be implanted.

Published: September 11, 2013

Research shows that older patients who receive implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) tend to have more complications and greater mortality than younger patients. However, a recent study suggests that its incorrect to assume that the devices are inappropriate or unsafe for the elderly.