What Are the Risks of Having an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator?

The most common problem with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) is that they give pulses when they aren't needed. Pulses delivered too often or at the wrong time can damage the heart or trigger an irregular heartbeat. They also can be painful and emotionally upsetting. If this occurs, your doctor can reprogram the ICD or prescribe medicines so the pulses occur less often.

Although rare, some risks are linked to the ICD surgery, including:

• Swelling, bruising, or infection in the area where the ICD was placed
• Bleeding from the site where the ICD was placed
• Blood vessel, heart, or nerve damage
• A collapsed lung
• A bad reaction to the medicine used to make you sleep during the surgery

People with an ICD may be at increased risk of developing heart failure. Heart failure is when your heart can't pump enough blood throughout the body. It's not known for sure whether an ICD increases the risk of heart failure or whether heart failure is just more common in people who need an ICD.

There also is the rare risk that your ICD won't work correctly. This will prevent your ICD from correcting irregular heart rhythms. If your ICD malfunctions, your doctor may be able to reprogram it. If that doesn't work, the ICD may need to be replaced.