PO-01-054 IDENTIFYING RESOURCES TO OVERCOME BARRIERS THAT REDUCE ACTIVITY ENGAGEMENT IN INDIVIDUALS WITH ICDS

Abstract

Arrhythmias contribute to 10-15% of all deaths worldwide. Significant reduction in mortality was achieved with the ICD, but individuals with ICDs need to adjust to the possibility of receiving a shock. Individuals may disengage from physical activity after ICD implant because they fear their heart rate will accelerate and prompt a shock. However, low physical activity has been associated with increased shocks and increased incidence of cardiac death and all-cause mortality. Therefore, we need to better understand obstacles to performing physical activity that exist so we can recommend future interventions. Determine current activity levels in individuals with ICDs and identify activity barriers along with perceived resources to improve activity engagement. English-speaking patients with device follow-up Jan- Aug. 2022 were invited via letter, followed by email with a secure consent link. Once consented; demographics, medical history and ICD stored data were collected, and participants completed online surveys: ICD Acceptance Scale, Florida Shock Anxiety Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Resource Preferences. See Table. Of the 1181 patients invited, 236 participated and 36% reported decreased activity with 17% voicing concern about resuming physical activities. Being scared/worried to exercise because device may fire was reported by 23/28%. The recommended activity of 150 min/wk was only achieved by 45%. Stored ICD activity data ranged from 0-7.8 hrs/day (M=3.30, + 1.61). Health related barriers to activity in order of rating: fatigue (45%), SOB, dizziness, pain, balance, palpitations, chest pain, vision/hearing (6%). Physical barriers to activity involvement in order of rating: limited time (44%), illness exposure, safety concerns, lack of space/equipment/transportation/family support (2.4%). Resources of interest were education on abnormal rhythms/heart (54/47%), yoga/stretching (47%), resistance training (47%), meditation (39%), and support group (35%). In person format was most popular (66%), followed by virtual access (44%), and social media platforms (13%). Activity tracking devices were used by 66%. Study results confirm that activity is reduced in individuals with ICDs but provide insight into varied existing barriers to activity engagement and resources that could potentially increase activity. Wearable activity tracking devices and virtual education/activities were acceptable and should be considered in future intervention designs.