Abstract
ICD shocks can save lives but are associated with a reduced quality of life and may
herald a deterioration of the underlying heart disease. Optimization of ICD programming
can prevent inappropriate and unnecessary shocks which may be associated with an improved
survival, as recent studies showed. This review provides recommendations on the use
of enhanced detection criteria, antitachycardia pacing, tachycardia detection rates,
and delayed tachycardia detection to minimize shock discharges in ICD patients.