Cardiology>>>>>Arrythmias
Question 4#

A patient with previous myocardial infarction, an ejection fraction of 25%, and a QRS duration of 140 ms, but no history of cardiac arrest, is seen in clinic and an ICD is recommended. She is concerned about driving. 
What is it appropriate to tell her?

A. She will need to stop driving for 6 months
B. She will need to stop driving for 1 month
C. If she has an appropriate shock she will need to stop driving for 6 months
D. A and C
E. B and C

Correct Answer is E

Comment:

The ICD would be a primary prevention device and therefore the patient needs to stop driving for 1 month (compared with 6 months for a secondary prevention device).
However, if she has an appropriate shock it is then treated in the same way as a device implanted for secondary prevention and requires 6 months off driving.