Body image changes associated with dual-chamber pacemaker insertion in women.

Journal Article (Journal Article;Multicenter Study)

PURPOSE: The study's purpose was to examine body image changes in subjects participating in a long-term multicenter pacemaker trial. METHODS: At study closeout, 383 adults, all of whom had received a dual-chamber pacemaker, completed questionnaires evaluating what effect their pacemaker or pacemaker site and scar had on them or their spouses or significant others. RESULTS: Most reported that their pacemaker did not change the way they or their spouses or significant others felt about their body (73.2% and 93.5%, respectively). Most (87.1%) denied feeling differently because of the pacemaker site and scar. Most were not concerned how their clothes fit or about wearing a swimsuit (92.0% and 90.7%, respectively). Women were more concerned about how the pacemaker site and scar made them feel about their body (P =.001), clothes fitting (P =.002), and wearing a swimsuit (P =.004). Men were more concerned with how their spouses or significant others perceived them postimplantation (P =.021). CONCLUSIONS: Most subjects did not express undue concern about changes in body image.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Davis, LL; Vitale, KA; Irmiere, CA; Hackney, TA; Belew, KM; Chikowski, AMR; Sullivan, CA; Hellkamp, AS; Schron, EB; Lamas, GA

Published Date

  • 2004

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 33 / 5

Start / End Page

  • 273 - 280

PubMed ID

  • 15454905

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0147-9563

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2004.04.005

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States