The role of trigger factors in the occurrence of appropriate ICD shocks and their clinical and prognostic implications.

The evaluation of trigger factors after the occurrence of ICD shocks is mandatory and can be systematically evaluated using the acronym ICD-STEMi. Systematic evaluation of triggers using the ICD-STEMi scheme can identify triggers in about half of ICD patients with first appropriate ICD shock. Patients with triggered ICD shock have a 12% higher 5-year mortality rate.