Consensus statement of the European Heart Rhythm Association: Updated recommendations for driving by patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators

Patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) have in ongoing risk of sudden incapacitation that might cause harm to others while driving a car. Driving restrictions vary across different countries in Europe. The most recent recommendations for driving of ICD patients in Europe were published in 1997 and focused mainly oil patients implanted for secondary prevention. In recent years there has been a vast increase in the number of patients with all ICD and in the percentage of patients implanted for primary prevention. The EHRA task force oil ICD and driving was formed to reassess the risk of driving for ICD patients based oil the literature available. The recommendations are summarized in the following table and are further explained in the document. [GRAPHICS] Driving restrictions are perceived as difficult for patients and their families, and have an immediate consequence for their lifestyle. To increase the adherence to the driving restrictions, adequate discharge of education and follow-up of patients and family are pivotal. The task force members hope this document may serve as an instrument for European and national regulatory authorities to formulate uniform driving regulations. (C) 2010 European Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All fights reserved.