About-Cardio
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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.
Internal Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD)
Introduction
An Internal Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) is a medical device implanted in patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. The device continuously monitors the heart's rhythm and delivers electrical shocks if necessary to restore a normal heartbeat.
How Does an ICD Work?
- Monitoring: The ICD constantly tracks the heart's rhythm.
- Detection of Abnormal Rhythms: It identifies dangerous arrhythmias.
- Shock Delivery: If needed, the device sends an electrical pulse to correct the rhythm.
- Pacing Ability: Some ICDs can also act as pacemakers if the heart beats too slowly.
Indications for ICD Implantation
Patients may need an ICD if they have:
- Survived sudden cardiac arrest.
- A history of ventricular arrhythmias.
- Heart conditions such as cardiomyopathy or low ejection fraction (EF < 35%).
- A genetic predisposition to arrhythmias (e.g., Long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome).
Risks and Considerations
While ICDs are life-saving devices, they come with potential risks:
- Infection at the implantation site.
- Inappropriate shocks.
- Lead displacement or device malfunction.
- Psychological impact, including anxiety and depression.
Living With an ICD
- Regular follow-ups with a cardiologist are necessary.
- Avoid strong electromagnetic fields (e.g., MRI without special precautions).
- Some restrictions on intense physical activity may apply.
Conclusion
An ICD can be a crucial intervention for patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. Despite some risks, it significantly improves survival rates and quality of life when appropriately used.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on ICD
- 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://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/832EA0F4E73948848612F228F7FA2D35.ashx
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Sudden Cardiac Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29191938/
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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!
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Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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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.