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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
Introduction
An Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) is a medical device used to monitor and correct life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances. It is particularly effective in preventing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in patients at high risk.
How Does an ICD Work?
An ICD is implanted under the skin, typically below the collarbone. It consists of: - A pulse generator (battery and electronic circuits) - Leads (wires) that go into the heart to detect abnormal rhythms
When the ICD detects a dangerous arrhythmia, it can: 1. Deliver small electrical impulses to correct mild abnormalities. 2. Administer a strong shock to restore a normal rhythm if needed.
Who Needs an ICD?
ICDs are recommended for people who: - Have survived a sudden cardiac arrest - Have a history of ventricular arrhythmias - Have a weakened heart due to conditions like heart failure or cardiomyopathy - Are at high risk due to inherited conditions like Long QT syndrome
Risks and Benefits
Benefits:
- Prevents sudden cardiac death
- Continuously monitors and treats dangerous arrhythmias
- Improves survival rates in high-risk patients
Risks:
- Possible infection at the implant site
- Battery depletion requiring replacement surgery
- Unnecessary shocks in some cases
Conclusion
For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, an ICD can be a lifesaving device. However, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a cardiologist.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/prevention--treatment-of-arrhythmia/implantable-cardioverter-defibrillator-icd
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/prevention--treatment-of-arrhythmia/living-with-your-implantable-cardioverter-defibrillator-icd
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23008437/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Sudden Cardiac Death Prevention
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29191938/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.