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Key Points
- An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
is a small device that's placed in your chest or abdomen to help control
life-threatening, irregular heart rhythms (called
arrhythmias).
- An ICD has wires with electrodes that connect to
one or more of your heart's chambers. The ICD will continually monitor your
heart rhythm. The device also will deliver high- or low-energy electrical
pulses or shocks to the heart when it beats irregularly.
- An ICD isn't the same as a
pacemaker.
A pacemaker can only give off low-energy electrical pulses to correct certain
irregular heartbeats. An ICD can give off the high-energy electrical pulses
needed to correct dangerous arrhythmias in the lower chambers of the heart
(ventricles).
- Your doctor may recommend an ICD if he or she
sees signs of an irregular ventricular arrhythmia (or heart damage that would
make one likely). He or she also may recommend an ICD if you survive
sudden
cardiac arrest.
- Surgery to place an ICD usually takes a few
hours. After this minor surgery, you may have mild pain; over-the-counter
medicines can usually relieve it. Consult your doctor before taking any pain
medicine.
- The most common problem with ICDs is that they
give pulses too often or when they aren't needed. Doctors can reprogram ICDs or
prescribe medicines so the pulses occur less often. There are other rare risks
linked to the ICD surgery, such as infection and bleeding.
- The low-energy electrical pulses your ICD gives
off aren't painful. You may not notice them, or you may feel a fluttering in
your chest.
- The high-energy pulses your ICD gives only last
a second and feel like a thumping or painful kick in the chest, depending on
their strength. Your doctor may give you medicine to lower the number of
arrhythmias
you have. This may reduce the number of high-energy pulses sent to your heart.
- Once you have an ICD, you have to avoid close or
prolonged contact with electrical devices or devices that have strong magnetic
fields. You also need to avoid medical procedures that can disrupt your ICD.
- Let all of your doctors, dentists, and medical
technicians know that you have an ICD.
- Your doctor may ask you to avoid any vigorous
exercise or heavy lifting for a short period after your surgery. After you have
fully recovered from surgery, discuss with your doctor how much and what kinds
of physical activity are safe for you.
- Have your ICD checked regularly. Some ICD
functions can be checked remotely through a telephone call or computer
connection to the Internet. Your doctor may ask you to come to his or her
office to check your ICD.
- ICD batteries have to be replaced every 5 to 7
years. The wires of your ICD also may have to be replaced eventually. You
doctor can tell you whether you need to replace your ICD or its wires.
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