Main Menu
Search the site for providers, locations, and content.
Management
Adjusting to Life with Your ICD
Adjusting to Life with Your ICDWhile the idea of living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator – or ICD -- might seem scary, the device isdesigned to save your life. Maria is thankful for hers.“I joked with my cardiologist one day, I said, "Well, now I'm strapped with this thing." And he said, "It's not sobad." I said, "Are you kidding me? There's nothing else I'd rather be strapped with, because this is what's keepingme alive.” – Maria, PatientYour ICD works in the background 24 hours a day, monitoring your heart rhythms.“It can treat a slow heartbeat by pacing the heart or it can treat the fast heartbeat by either pacing the heart outof that rhythm or it can deliver a shock.” - Gabriel Breuer, MD Cardiac ElectrophysiologistThis shock feels like a swift thump or blow to the chest, but lasts only a second. When your ICD delivers therapy, it’sworking to correct dangerous heart rhythms.“If you receive one shock, you need to calm down, sit down, and just notify your provider. However, if youreceive two shocks or more within 24 hours, it is recommended that you seek immediate medical attention.”- Gabriel Breuer, MD Cardiac ElectrophysiologistAn ICD was implanted into Donald Williams’ chest a couple of years ago. As he learned, living with an ICD requiresfollowing a few steps. For starters, always carry your ID card, which you’ll receive after your device is implanted. Thecard has information about your heart rhythms and your particular ICD. You might also consider wearing a Medicalert bracelet.“It is important to tell all your healthcare providers that you have a device, even those who are not involved inyour heart care.” – Gabriel Breuer, MD Cardiac ElectrophysiologistWhile most properly maintained consumer appliances such as microwave ovens and electronics pose little or no riskto your ICD, be aware of devices that can cause interference if not handled correctly.Your cell phone, for example, should be kept away from the ICD. Talk on the phone using the ear opposite thedevice, and don’t keep the phone in a shirt pocket over your ICD.At airports, even though the walk-through and full-body scanners are considered safe, let a TSA agent know youhave an ICD just in case you set off an alarm.If you’re someplace where security uses hand scanners, ask the guard to avoid placing the scanner near your chestany longer than necessary. Avoid placing yourself in situations – such as climbing a ladder or using heavy machinery-- where you could be injured if you become dizzy after receiving a therapeutic shock.Page 1 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA1002295 EN AdjustingToLifeWithYourICD.pdf© The Wellness NetworkAdjusting to Life with Your ICDYour healthcare provider will check your ICD on a regular basis to ensure it’s working properly, see how often it’sdelivered therapy and check battery life.You may be given a home monitor that can wirelessly record information about your ICD and send it to yourhealth care provider using your home’s Internet connection.“It records your activity while you're sleeping.” Donald, PatientThe pulse generator, which contains the battery, can be expected to last up to seven years. When the batterygets weak, the pulse generator needs to be replaced. The lead wires, which run from the pulse generator to yourheart, are not usually changed, but just tested to make sure they are working properly.Beyond physical adjustments, you might experience some emotional difficulty at first. Some people worry abouttheir ICD shocking them and are scared to exercise or engage in other activities they enjoy.Discuss any concerns such as these with your healthcare provider. Talking to a counselor or joining a supportgroup where you’ll meet other people with cardiac implants can also be helpful.“Gives you a chance to tell your story, gives you a chance to vent.” – Donald, PatientAn ICD won’t cure heart disease, but combined with a healthy lifestyle and proper care for heart disease, it canhelp you return to an active life…. as Maria has.“I know it's intimidating, it's a little scary. Just the scar's scary. Just embrace it. This is going to give youopportunities to do things you like to do. It's gonna give you another lease on life.” – Maria, PatientPage 2 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA1002295 EN AdjustingToLifeWithYourICD.pdf© The Wellness Network
Select a primary care physician who will deliver personal care, close to home.
We have you covered from head (neurosurgery) to toe (podiatry.) And everything in-between!
Get the right care at the right time.
Learn about medications that can help manage atrial fibrillation.
Learn how to take antiarrhythmic medications safely.
Follow this checklist to manage your medications for atrial fibrillation.
Watch this clip to understand how a pacemaker has helped Patsy after her heart attack.
