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Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)

Overview

What is an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)?

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a small, battery-powered device. It can fix an abnormal heart rate or rhythm and prevent sudden death. The ICD is placed under the skin of your chest. One or two wires (called leads) connect the ICD to your heart.

When is an ICD used?

ICDs are used in people who have had a life-threatening, fast heart rhythm or are at high risk of having one. Heart problems that can make a fast heart rhythm more likely include coronary artery disease, heart failure, and a structural or electrical problem of the heart.

How does it work?

An ICD is always checking your heart for a life-threatening, rapid heart rhythm. The ICD may try to slow the rhythm back to normal using electrical pulses. If the dangerous rhythm doesn't stop, the ICD sends an electric shock to the heart. This restores a normal rhythm. The device then goes back to its watchful mode.

Some ICDs also can fix a heart rate that is too slow. The ICD does this without using a shock. It can send out electrical pulses to speed up a heart rate that is too slow.

Your doctor will program the ICD to send electrical pulses or a shock when needed. Whether you get pulses or a shock depends on the type of ICD, the type of problem that you have, and how the doctor programs the ICD to respond to it.

How is an ICD placed?

Your doctor will put the ICD under the skin in your chest during minor surgery. You will likely have medicine to make you feel relaxed and sleepy during the surgery.

Your doctor makes a small cut (incision) in your upper chest. The doctor puts one or two leads (wires) through the cut. The leads go into a large blood vessel in the upper chest. Then your doctor guides the leads through the blood vessel into your heart. Your doctor connects the leads to the ICD and places it in your chest. Then the incision is closed. Your doctor also programs the ICD.

Most people spend the night in the hospital, just to make sure that the device is working and that there are no problems from the surgery.

How does an ICD shock feel?

The shock from an ICD hurts briefly. But the shock is a sign that the ICD is doing its job. It's there to save your life.

People feel it in different ways. It's been described as feeling like a punch in the chest. You won't feel any pain if the ICD uses electrical pulses to fix a heart rate that is too fast or too slow.

There's no way to know how often a shock might occur. It might never happen. It's possible that the ICD could shock your heart when it shouldn't. If that were to happen, you would have pain.

Shocks and the fear of shocks can make some people worry a lot. But you can take simple steps to feel better about having an ICD. These steps include having your ICD checked regularly by your doctor and making an action plan for what to do if you get shocked.

How can you live well with an ICD?

You can live a normal life with your ICD. Here are a few tips for living well with your ICD.

  • Use certain electric devices with caution. Some electric devices have a strong electromagnetic field. This field can keep your ICD from working right for a short time. Check with your doctor about what you need to avoid and what you need to keep a short distance away from your ICD. Many household and office electronics don't affect your ICD.
  • Be sure that your health professionals know that you have an ICD. This includes any doctor, dentist, or other health professional you see.
  • Always carry a card that tells what kind of device you have.
  • Wear medical alert jewelry that says you have an ICD. You can buy this at most drugstores.
  • If you get a shock, follow your action plan for what to do.
  • Ask your doctor what sort of activity and intensity is safe for you. You can lead an active life with an ICD.

As you plan for your future and the end of life, be sure to include plans for your ICD. You can make the decision to turn off your ICD as part of the medical treatment you want at the end of life.

Credits

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Dear patient

I am excited to announce that I will be relocating my practice to Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates. Starting November 4, 2024, my new address will be:

Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates
6550 Fannin St.
Smith Tower, Suite 1901
Houston, TX 77030

Please note that my phone number and fax number will also change to the following:
24-Hour Telephone: 713-441-1100
Fax: 713-790-2643
Clinical Support Telephone (M-F, 8-5): 713-441-3515

I am excited about caring for you in my new office and hope you will make the transition with me. I will also continue to refill your medications as I have in the past. To assist, please provide your pharmacy with my new contact information.

Please consider checking your prescription refills to verify that you have enough medication on hand to last you until your next visit. Please note that your medical records will remain at my former office until you authorize their transfer. If you choose for me to continue providing your medical care, please complete and sign the enclosed “Authorization for Release of Medical Records” form and fax it to 713-790-2643. Once we receive your authorization, we will be happy to process the request for you.

Thank you for entrusting me with your medical care. My new team and I are dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible. For help scheduling an appointment and transitioning your care, please call my new office number above.

I look forward to continuing your care at my new location.

Sincerely,
Gopi A. Shah, MD

Dear patient

Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Michael Raizner, and Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary are excited to announce that our practice, Interventional Cardiology Associates, will merge with Houston Cardiovascular Associates on November 1, 2024.

Our new offices are similarly located in Houston, near the Texas Medical Center and in Sugar Land. Our in-hospital care will continue at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Importantly, our new offices expand our services with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Our core values will always be, as they began over 40 years ago when Dr. Albert Raizner founded ICA:

Integrity – Compassion – Accountability

Our new address and contact information are:

Your medical records are confidential and remain available at our new locations. We consider it a privilege to serve as your cardiologists and look forward to your continuing with us. However, should you desire to transfer to another physician, you may request a copy of your records by contacting us at our new addresses and phone numbers listed above.

We thank you for your trust and loyalty. As always, we will continue to be here to take care of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Albert Raizner,
Dr. Michael Raizner,
Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary