How to Live With an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a small battery-powered device that many people have when they've survived a cardiac arrest and are at risk of sudden cardiac death due to ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. ICDs are often compared to pacemakers, and in fact, most have one already built in. Learning to live with one includes understanding its purpose and ensuring that you heed a few simple precautions.

Edit Steps1Understand how an ICD works and why you need it. People who survive cardiac arrests, have been diagnosed with an arrhythmia, and are at a high risk of sudden cardiac death are often candidates for an ICD implantation. Survivors of heart attacks may also get ICDs. An ICD measures your heart rhythm using leads attached to your heart. When it detects an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), it will provide therapy depending on what's happening:If your heart is beating too slowly, the ICD will use the built-in pacemaker to pace your heart to a normal rhythm.If you're suffering from ventricular tachycardia (V-tach/VT), your heart is beating too quickly. The ICD will deliver short, rapidly paced beats to override the heart's abnormal rhythm. If that doesn't work, it will cardiovert the heart by delivering small shocks to restore the rhythm.If you're suffering from ventricular fibrillation (V-fib/VF), the electrical activity becomes disorganized and the heart will start beating so fast that it will start quivering instead of pumping blood. The ICD will treat this by delivering a stronger electric shock to the heart.Before the procedure, make sure that you fully understand your condition and the reason why an ICD is needed. Ask your doctors, read pamphlets, or even talk to other patients who have ICDs. Also, discuss how the ICD can be deactivated, if you choose to do so in the future.2In the first few weeks after the surgery, avoid putting your arm on the side the device was inserted over your head. Do all such actions with your other hand.3Be prepared for changes. Although your lifestyle will remain unchanged, there are a few considerations you'll have to make. For example, you may have to adjust your seat belt shoulder harness if the ICD was implanted in your upper chest. If you find an item of clothing creates pressure around your upper chest, you may have to stop wearing it. Adjust your lifestyle according to such things becoming apparent to you when going about your normal activities.4Carry an ID card indicating you have an ICD. When you're having any procedure done, tell your doctor, dentist, or other health care professional about your ICD.Since it's made of metal, the ICD may set off metal detectors and other security devices found in airports and other places. Show your card to security personnel

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