How ICD patients cope with the coronavirus crisis

Patients suffering from heart disease are one of the groups who are at an increased risk of coronavirus. On the website www.icd-forum.de, psychologists from the University of Würzburg and cardiologists from the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHI) have put together helpful information for heart disease patients and their relatives on how to behave in the current situation to maintain their physical and mental health. "We want to help ICD patients to overcome the crisis, the associated isolation and the lockdown restrictions in the best possible manner, in maximum comfort and free from worries," says psychologist Professor Paul Pauli.

"Heart patients must avoid infection with Covid-19 at all costs because of their increased risk," says psychologist Dr. Stefan Schulz. "This currently leads to a high level of uncertainty and the problem that many heart patients are socially isolated for a prolonged period of time. As a result, their supply with drugs and food can become a challenge. Moreover, it is problematic when checkups are postponed." On www.icd-forum.de, Stefan Schulz and his ICD Forum team collect up-to-date information for a solution-oriented approach to dealing with COVID-19 for heart patients and their relatives.

Focusing on positive aspects

Sticking to their treatment plan is crucial for heart patients. This applies to both ICD patients and heart failure patients. Professor Christoph Maack, the spokesperson of the DZHI, explains: "The risk of suffering cardiac arrhythmia is increased by stress or anxiety and the associated activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Therefore, it is important for heart patients to pay particular attention to taking the prescribed medication and to contact their physician or cardiologist in the event of new complaints or uncertainties in times of crisis such as these."

The ICD team recommends that patients structure their days properly, set themselves small daily goals, consume media only selectively and deliberately and focus on positive things. "Stay away from pessimists and try to keep conversations with others positive," advises Stefan Schulz. "And get physical activity despite the lockdown restrictions. Go for a walk in the woods or fields or get some fresh air in your garden."

Internet training with self-help information

Already last year, the psychologists of the University of Würzburg teamed up with cardiologists from the DZHI to design modern, uncomplicated and above all sustainable solutions to improve the lives of heart patients who suffer from massive psychological problems due to the defibrillator. A six-week moderated web-based training has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression that often accompany the condition, helping patients to help themselves.

The result of the study was published in the prestigious cardiology journal "European Heart Journal". "We were able to show that a web-based intervention programme not only has lasting success but also that it can be managed organisationally and implemented in hospitals. It is a modern form of intervention that reaches many patients," Pauli says.