Influence of smoking status on the incidence of appropriate and inappropriate ICD interventions in a collective of ICD recipients with structural heart disease

Objectives: Smoking is known as a relevant risk factor for severe cardiac morbidities and mortality. This study was initiated to explore the influence of the smoking dosage (measured in pack years) on the incidence of appropriate and inappropriate ICD interventions. Methods: 349 patients with structural heart disease, either coronary artery disease or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy equipped with an ICD were included. Every patient answered a questionnaire regarding his smoking status. Results: 58 patients (17%) were “current smokers”, 196 patients (56%) revealed as “former smokers” while 93 (27%) patients defined t…