The aim of this study was to describe changes in the life situation of patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator over a period of 1 year. A sample of 56 consecutive patients took part in the study.

Life situation was measured through uncertainty in illness, satisfaction, and fear of the life situation. Descriptive statistics were used to present results, and analytical statistics were used to map out changes over time.

Overall uncertainty showed a decrease over time. A statistically significant difference was found within the domain uncertainty related to information (P < 0.001).

Satisfaction increased within the domains health-functioning, socio-economic, psychological–spiritual, and family.

The ability to act within the domain health-functioning showed a statistical significance (P < 0.05).

The domain life changes within fear in the life situation decreased and showed a statistical significance (P < 0.05).

The overall life situation showed increased satisfaction as well as lower uncertainty and fear in the life situation.

The research indicates that patients need more information about changes in the life situation after the implantable cardioverter defibrillator-implantation. The study encourages more humanistic, holistic research about patients’ life situations as well as more education in teaching skills for health care personnel.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe QoL in relation to shocks and uncertainty in ICD-recipients and to identify predictors of QoL over a 5-year period. Methods: The design was prospective and longitudinal. Thirty-five patients who had lived with the ICD for at least five years had taken part in the study. All recipients had received their ICD as a form of secondary prevention. The questionnaires Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale – community version (MUIS-C), Quality of Life Index – cardiac version (QLI-CV) were completed on three occasions: before implantation, at year 1 and at year 5 after implantation. Self-reported number of shocks between the implantation and year 1 and between year 1 and year 5 were described. Data were analyzed by descriptive as well as analytical statistics. Results: In general, QoL was lower at year 1 than before implantation (p = 0.033). A decrease in the socio-economic domain was observed at year 1 (p = 0.006) but improved again at year 5 (p = 0.027) although it remained below the value before implantation. ICD recipient’s satisfaction with the family domain decreased from the time before ICD implantation (p = < 0.001) and from year 1 (p = 0.039) to year 5 after implantation. A decrease in overall uncertainty was observed at year 5 in relation to year 1 (p = 0.009). The longer the ICD recipient had lived with the device, the greater the risk of receiving a shock. However, ICD recipients who received shocks reported being less troubled by them over time. Uncertainty was identified as a predictor of low QoL. Conclusion: The recipients reported a higher level of QoL at year 5 than at year 1. QoL was reasonably good 5 years after implantation and the ICD recipient felt more secure and perceived their ICD as a lifesaver.