Event-Free Survival In Central Appalachian Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Recipients

Introduction: Social determinants of health affect event-free survival in individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Social and economic disparities are well documented in Central Appalachia. This region has the highest level of CVD in the US, with increasing numbers of ICD implants. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether Appalachian residency compared to non-Appalachian residency predicted event-free survival in ICD recipients. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for hospital admission or death for a period of 365 days following enrollment in the study. Appalachian residency was determined by zip code identification of Appalachian counties as listed by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Cox regression was used to examine the association between Appalachian residency and event risk in ICD recipients. Results: The sample consisted of 103 ICD recipients who had their ICDs implanted for one year or more, 43.7% of whom resided in Appalachian counties. The majority of the partic...