Women may be more likely than men to have complications from implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), hospital readmission for heart failure and death within six months of implantation, according to a study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2012.ICDs are small devices placed in the chest to treat irregular or rapid heartbeats and prevent sudden cardiac death.
Researchers compared results after ICD implantation in 2006-09 in38,912 patients (25 percent women).
Complications, including surgical problems or device problems requiring intervention within 30 or 90 days of implantation, were notably higher among women. Women were 40 percent more likely to die or have complications and 34 percent more likely to be readmitted to the hospital for heart failure within six months of implantation.
Whether these gender differences impact the benefit of the treatment in women requires more study, researchers said.
