Cardiologists form new support group

Cardiologists at LDS Hospital have started the state's first support group for patients with implantable defibrillators, pager-sized devices that shock the heart back to normal rhythm.

The first meeting, Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. at Sugarhouse Park's Lake Terrace Pavilion, will focus on the recent nationwide recall of several implantable defibrillator devices by their manufacturers due to defects that could cause malfunction. Most manufacturers have told some patients to keep their devices in place or have them removed and a new device implanted. At least three device companies have issued recalls in the last 18 months that affect more than 214,000 defibrillators that are in use.

"This has been a very stressful time for patients with these devices," says Dr. John Day, a cardiologist at the Utah Heart Clinic at LDS Hospital. "Having a defibrillator implanted in a patient is a significant and life-changing event. Our goal is to provide a forum for these patients to meet and share their experiences with each other and to be a consistent resource for patients and their families."