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Saturday, 27 January 2018 17:01

What is a Defibrillator

A Defibrillator, or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), is a battery-powered device placed under the skin that keeps track of your heart rate. Thin wires connect the ICD to your heart. If an abnormal heart rhythm is detected the device will deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat if your heart is beating abnormally and much too fast.

ICDs are very useful in preventing sudden death in patients with known, sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Studies have shown ICDs to have a role in preventing cardiac arrest in high-risk patients who haven't had, but are at risk for, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.

Why do I need an ICD?

Your doctor may recommend an ICD if you or your child is at risk of a life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia because of having:

How does an ICD work?

It knows when the heartbeat is not regular and tries to return the heartbeat to normal.

  • If your ICD has a pacemaker feature when your heartbeat is too slow, it works as a pacemaker and sends tiny electric signals to your heart.
  • When your heartbeat is too fast, it gives defibrillation shocks to stop the abnormal rhythm.
  • It works 24 hours a day.

Click here to read the differences between defibrillators and pacemakers.

 

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