OBJECTIVES: The beneficial effects of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in primary and secondary prevention patients are well established. However, data on potential differences between both groups in mortality and ICD therapy rates during long-term follow-up are scarce. The aim of the study was to assess differences in mortality and ICD therapy between secondary and primary prevention ICD recipients. METHODS: All patients treated with an ICD, regardless of the underlying cardiac pathology, at the island of Crete were included in the current analysis. The study population was grouped by the type of prevention (secondary or primary) for sudden cardiac death. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The secondary endpoint was the occurrence of device therapy (appropriate or inappropriate). RESULTS: A total of 854 (88.6% men) ICD recipients were included. Of these,

Accordingly the number of primary prevention patients that received appropriate therapy was 126 (20,2%). A comparable risk for inappropriate shocks was observed. CONCLUSIONS: During long-term follow-up, primary prevention patients exhibited a lower risk all-cause mortality. Both groups showed similar occurrence of inappropriate shocks but secondary prevention patients showed a higher rate of appropriate therapy.