Understanding ICDs – Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

Posted by Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator @kanaazpereira, Feb 5, 2019

An ICD – implantable cardioverter defibrillator – is a pager-sized device placed in your chest which detects and stops abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias). The ICD continuously monitors your heartbeat and delivers electrical pulses to restore a normal heart rhythm when necessary. In the following video, Dr. Farris Timimi provides background and considerations to help determine if ICD therapy is right for you.

If you have an ICD, do you feel like you have the the equivalent of a paramedic sitting on your shoulder, always ready to “shock” the heart back to normal rhythm and prevent cardiac arrest? Or, are you worried with questions like, “What are the risks of having an ICD implanted?” "What does a shock feel like?” “Will I have to change my lifestyle?”

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.

Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Feb 5, 2019

Hi @barbarajane @cynaburst @cynthiamary @lynnkay1956 @medic7054 @evelyn247 @c410djh @jigglejaws94 @thankfulalways @mpeters @sammysky @bjanderson @jwoj @brittalisse @pfazenbaker @pepper1311 @predictable @thankful @hopeful33250 @harmonybentley @mzhp1988 @lioness @wangs @gibbs @soloact @johnbishop @chica @shortshot80 @gr82balive @martishka @tonyagann @thiles @chipmunk16666 @loli @grandmar @ryman @success101 @dyannne @dfelix @scardycat @dothag @rod1105 @kitzkatz @1943,

I’d like to invite you to join this discussion about ICDs – implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Share your stories about living with an ICD, coping with the challenges, and offering tips. Let’s learn from each other – come say hi and introduce yourself.

success101 | @success101 | Feb 5, 2019

In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hi @barbarajane @cynaburst @cynthiamary @lynnkay1956 @medic7054 @evelyn247 @c410djh @jigglejaws94 @thankfulalways @mpeters @sammysky @bjanderson @jwoj @brittalisse @pfazenbaker..." + (show)

Yes, sounds Interresting.
As one with AFib and
Heart failure I read
Your articles, with
Interrest.
Success101

bimbus1 | @bimbus1 | Feb 5, 2019

Hi..my name is Grace Olaniyan.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Feb 5, 2019

My daughter who has long QT syndrome had a S-ICD implanted but finally had to have it removed and have a pacemaker implanted in it's place. She was constantly getting shocked by the S-ICD due to what she describes as false readings.

Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Feb 5, 2019

In reply to @bimbus1 "Hi..my name is Grace Olaniyan." + (show)

Hi Grace @bimbus1,

I noticed that you had posted some supportive advice, a while ago in the Heart & Blood Health group – I’m glad you’ve joined this discussion, too. Do you have an ICD?

Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Feb 5, 2019

In reply to @johnbishop "My daughter who has long QT syndrome had a S-ICD implanted but finally had to have..." + (show)

Hi @johnbishop,

A reported drawback of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators or S-ICD is the potential for generating false positives, or inappropriate shocks. Apparently, this is because of "positional attenuation of the R waves that may activate the device algorithm to increase the amplitude of the cardiac signals, resulting in oversensing of atrial fibrillation waves.”

I thought you might be interested in viewing this article about some advancements in the newer devices.
"S-ICD Sensing Filter At Least Halved Inappropriate Shocks” https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/hrs/72853

bimbus1 | @bimbus1 | Feb 5, 2019

In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hi Grace @bimbus1, I noticed that you had posted some supportive advice, a while ago in..." + (show)

Yes. I have an ICD

suscros68 | @suscros68 | Feb 5, 2019

i have an icd that was placed in 2013. i have a bi ventricular pacemaker . my ventricular tachycardia episodes are due to cardiac sarcoidosis and the scars that damaged my heart and left me with heart failure. Between 2013-2016 i was shocked 5 times. Hooray for technology, saved my life. i had a cardiac ablation in 2016 and everything has been great since then. I do have so e post traumatic stress and anxiety from receiving shocks though.
i recently published a book, My Heart Boo, by Susan Crosby. Its a tool to manage heart failure or other cardiac conditions.
My website is susancrosby.org to learn about my story.

lioness | @lioness | Feb 5, 2019

@lioness I cant say much about the S ICD but I know I would search a good cardiologist who has a lot of experience in putting one in. See how many of these he has done and the outcome of them I wouldn't want one in me and be shocked all the time. But if its your last choice and you need one this is my advice . I had a triple by pass in 96 and so far my arteries are clear and pumping the blood just fine. Kudos to @suscros68 for a successful implant . I'm going to look up your website .