Beschreibung:
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<jats:bold>Background:</jats:bold> Physicians who are caring for patients with implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) are regularly confronted with questions concerning daily activities. This study evaluates the habits of ICD patients with respect to sports activities, stays at high‐altitude, and driving patterns.</jats:italic> </jats:p><jats:p> <jats:italic>
<jats:bold>Methods:</jats:bold> A survey was performed in 387 patients with ICDs who were followed at two hospitals in Switzerland. The special‐designed questionnaire addressed lifestyle practices concerning sports activity, high‐altitude visits, and driving motor vehicles.</jats:italic> </jats:p><jats:p> <jats:italic>
<jats:bold>Results:</jats:bold> Fifty‐nine percent of ICD patients participated in some kind of sports activity; an ICD shock was experienced in 14% of these patients. Fifty‐six percent of the patients reported a stay at high altitudes at least 2,000 m above the sea level; 11% of them stayed regularly above 2,500 m; 4% of these patients experienced an ICD shock during high altitude stay. Seventy‐nine percent of the patients drove a motor vehicle; 2% of them experienced an ICD shock during driving, but none of them reported loss of consciousness or a traffic accident.</jats:italic> </jats:p><jats:p> <jats:italic>
<jats:bold>Conclusion:</jats:bold> It is accepted that ICD patients disqualify for competitive sports. However, the patients may be encouraged to continue leisure‐time physical activities at low‐to‐moderate intensity. Staying at high altitudes and driving motor vehicles are very rarely associated with ICD shocks. Therefore, these activities that are likely to contribute to a better quality of life should not be discouraged in most ICD recipients in the absence of other medical reasons.</jats:italic> </jats:p>