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. |