Key result
Post-ICD shock heart rate self-monitoring is linked to decreased anxiety and trends toward reduced PTSD.
Why the study?
ICD shocks are unexpected, painful, and traumatic events that can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder, prompting evaluation of a Heart Rate Self-Monitoring intervention to reduce PTSD symptoms.
Does a Heart Rate Self-Monitoring intervention reduce PTSD symptoms and anxiety in patients after an ICD shock?
Observational (n=10)
Does a Heart Rate Self-Monitoring intervention reduce PTSD symptoms and anxiety in patients after an ICD shock?
p-value: p=0.03
A 4-week heart rate self-monitoring and coaching intervention is feasible and may reduce anxiety and PTSD symptoms in patients who have experienced an ICD shock.
May support self-monitoring to ease post-ICD shock anxiety; leaves open PTSD efficacy in randomized trials.
Background: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shocks are unexpected, painful, traumatic, and can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objective: To describe the feasibility and efficacy of the Heart Rate Self-Monitoring (HRSM) intervention to reduce PTSD symptoms post-ICD shock. Methods: A single-group, prepost design was used to assess study outcomes. In the HRSM intervention we used Polar HR monitoring and 4-weekly, nurse-led coaching sessions to review responses to tailored walking and deep breathing exercises. Outcomes included ICD shock anxiety, PTSD symptoms, depression, steps/day, self-efficacy, and salivary cortisol. Results: Ten participants (100% male, 89% Caucasian, 58 years, and 55% prior ICD shock) completed the study. Intervention feasibility was established. Postintervention, ICD shock anxiety ( P = .03), PTSD symptoms ( P = .06), self-monitoring behaviors ( P = .02), and salivary cortisol ( P = .10) decreased. Steps/day and depression remained stable. Conclusion: After ICD shock, participation in HRSM was associated with decreased anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and salivary cortisol.
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Dougherty et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Post-ICD shock PTSD symptoms (n=10). Heart Rate Self-Monitoring (HRSM) intervention vs. None (single-group pre-post design) was evaluated on ICD shock anxiety, PTSD symptoms, depression, steps/day, self-efficacy, and salivary cortisol (p=0.03). A 4-week Heart Rate Self-Monitoring intervention post-ICD shock was feasible and associated with decreased ICD shock anxiety (P=0.03) and a trend toward reduced PTSD symptoms (P=0.06).
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