Is an ICD better than a pacemaker?

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) looks similar to a pacemaker, though slightly larger. It works very much like a pacemaker. But the ICD can send an energy shock that resets an abnormal heartbeat back to normal. Many devices combine a pacemaker and ICD in one unit for people who need both functions.

Which is better a defibrillator or pacemaker?

The pacemaker is the steady hand guiding your heart through each day, while the defibrillator is the guardian angel standing ready to keep you safe if your heartbeat becomes dangerously irregular. Whether you need a pacemaker, an ICD, or both, Oklahoma Heart Hospital is here to help.

What is the life expectancy of someone with an ICD?

Background: Manufacturers of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) promise a 5- to 9-year projected longevity; however, real-life data indicate otherwise.

What's the difference between a pacemaker and an ICD?

A pacemaker helps control abnormal heart rhythms. It uses electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate. It can speed up a slow heart rhythm, control a fast heart rhythm, and coordinate the chambers of the heart. An ICD monitors heart rhythms.

What is the success rate of ICD?

One- and 5-year implantable cardioverter-defibrillator survival rates are 92% and 68%, respectively, and are 88% and 54% for cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators.

Heart Education -- Pacemaker VS ICD

Can you live 20 years with an ICD?

Living with a Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator ICD. Pacemakers and ICDs generally last 5 to 7 years or longer, depending on usage and the type of device. In most cases, you can lead a normal life with an ICD.

Who should not get an ICD?

Sometimes an ICD is not recommended. You and your doctor may decide against an ICD if any of the following apply to you: You're expected to live less than 1 year. You have frequent abnormal heart rhythms (ventricular tachycardia) that can't be controlled with medicines.

How long does it take to recover from an ICD implant?

Because every patient is different, it's hard to say with certainty what your recovery time will be. In general, you should be able to return home the day after your implant procedure. Full recovery from the procedure normally takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

Should I get an ICD?

You may need an ICD if you have survived sudden cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation, or have fainted due to ventricular arrhythmia, or if you have certain inherited heart conditions. An ICD is generally needed for those at high risk of cardiac arrest due to a ventricular arrhythmia.

How serious is getting a defibrillator?

As with all surgeries, a defibrillator implant involves risks and possible complications. Complications may become serious and life threatening in some cases. Complications can develop during surgery or recovery.

What to avoid if you have an ICD?

Don't dangle headphones round your neck or within 3cm (1in) of your ICD. Don't put mobile or cordless phones, or MP3 players within 15cm (6in) of your ICD. Don't wear magnetic fasteners near your ICD. Don't use a TENS machine for pain relief, and keep electric-pulse body-toning tools below your stomach.

Can you drink alcohol with ICD?

The general advice for people who have an ICD is that they can drink alcohol in moderation. For overall health, "in moderation" means no more than two alcoholic drinks a day for a man, no more than one for a woman.

Is having an ICD a disability?

Having a pacemaker or implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD) doesn't automatically qualify you for Social Security disability, especially if the device is controlling your symptoms well.

Does ICD improve ejection fraction?

Heart failure patients with primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) may experience an improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) over time.

Can you feel an ICD shock?

You may feel a flutter, palpitations (like your heart is skipping a beat), or nothing at all. Fibrillation may require that you receive a “shock.” Most patients say that the shock feels like a sudden jolt or thump to the chest.

What are the disadvantages of a pacemaker?

Who is a candidate for ICD?

You might need an ICD if you have a dangerously fast heartbeat that keeps your heart from supplying enough blood to the rest of your body (such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation) or if you are at high risk of such a heart rhythm problem (arrhythmia), usually because of a weak heart muscle.

Can your heart stop with an ICD?

An ICD isn't very helpful at the end of life.

The shocks can't stop heart disease from getting worse. They can be very painful, like you're being kicked in the chest. They can cause anxiety, fear, and depression. They probably won't fix a dangerous heart rhythm near the end of life.

Can I drive with ICD?

Patients who have received an ICD for primary prevention should be restricted from driving a private motor vehicle for 1 week to allow recovery from implantation of the device. Patients receiving ICDs for secondary prevention should be restricted from driving for 6 months.

How long after ICD can I shower?

When can I shower? You can take a bath or a shower 48 hours after you get home, but your incision (the cut from your procedure) site must stay dry for 5 to 7 days. Before you bathe or shower, tape a piece of plastic bag or plastic wrap over your dressing to keep your incision dry.

Can you exercise with an ICD?

Your ICD won't limit you from exercising and playing most sports. However, contact sports could affect your device and damage the wires, so rough sports like football should be avoided. As you ease back into exercise after your ICD, start with short and simple walks, and gradually increase length and intensity.

What are the indications of doing ICD?

Indications for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implant can be divided into two broad categories: secondary prophylaxis against sudden cardiac death and primary prophylaxis.

How long does ICD surgery take?

How long does the procedure take? Inserting a pacemaker or defibrillator takes about 3 hours. After several years (usually 7 to 8 years), the battery in the device will begin to get low and the doctor will need to replace the device. Often the leads are still fine and can stay in place.

Is ICD implant a major surgery?

It requires a small incision near your collarbone. Your healthcare provider threads the leads through veins and accesses your heart. But sometimes implantation requires open-heart surgery. ICD processes can vary widely.

Do ICD shocks damage the heart?

A recent prospective, randomized, multicentre trial confirmed that the ICD shock itself, and not ventricular fibrillation (VF), seems to cause myocardial micro-damage, as evaluated by high-sensitivity troponin assessment.