When to Consider an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) 

If the idea of having a device implanted in your body makes you feel uncomfortable, you’re not alone. But, it’s important to understand what the benefit is before making a decision. As technology has advanced, devices such as implantable cardioverter-fibrillators (ICDs) have become lifesavers. 

Cardiology is one of our specialties at Pinnacle Health Systems. And if your provider suggests an ICD, it’s because the technology is safe and could keep you alive during an emergency. 

ICDs have been in use for decades, and in that time, researchers have shown time and again that more cardiology patients live longer with an ICD than without. In this post, we take a look at how ICDs work and who is most likely to benefit from having one. 

What an ICD does

An ICD monitors your heart rate, and when that rate speeds up dangerously, skips a beat, or stops beating, the ICD delivers an electrical pulse to your heart, shocking it back into a normal rhythm or restarting your heart. 

Experts estimate that between 200,000 and 400,000 people die suddenly every year in the United States, and the majority of those deaths are due to arrhythmias, or abnormalities in heart rhythm. 

Two types of arrhythmias are particularly dangerous, ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF). These both originate in the lower chambers of your heart and can cause cardiac arrest, which is sometimes called sudden cardiac death. 

This is not the same as a heart attack, but if you’ve had a heart attack your risk of cardiac arrest is higher. 

Both VT and VF can be deadly within minutes, and the only treatment is defibrillation. External defibrillation may be effective, but how often are you near an automatic external defibrillator in your day-to-day life? Statistically, your chances of surviving cardiac arrest outside a hospital is less than 10%. 

An ICD doesn’t prevent VT or VF, but it automatically provides the electrical impulse that shocks your heart back into working if you experience one of these dangerous arrhythmias. 

Who should consider an ICD

If, for some reason, your heart is weaker than a normal heart, you may need to consider an ICD. For example, as we mentioned above, people who have had a heart attack may need to consider an ICD. 

Even if you haven’t had a heart attack, but you do have coronary artery disease, your heart may be weak, putting you at risk of dangerous arrhythmia. 

People who have an enlarged heart due to congenital heart disease or some other condition can also benefit from an ICD. Other conditions like long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, or cardiac sarcoidosis may make having an ICD a good idea. 

Have questions? 

If you have one of the conditions listed in this post, or your provider has suggested you consider an ICD, you probably have some questions. We encourage you to schedule an appointment at our Hollywood or Pembroke Pines, Florida, location of Pinnacle Healthcare System. 

We’re always happy to answer your questions in the context of your individual situation.