Basics of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator and AHA CPR Nashville

An ICD or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator is a small device that can treat individuals with dangerously abnormal heart rhythms by sending impulses to synchronize abnormal heart rhythms, particularly those that can cause a cardiac arrest and ones that can be dangerous. There’s an electrical signal that follows through your ticker with every heartbeat making the ticker contract and pump blood. One may need an ICD fitted when this process doesn’t happen properly which can lead to an abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmia.

ICD is required for individuals who’ve already had a life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm and are at risk of having it again; individuals who have another heart and circulatory condition, such as heart failure, and have had or are at risk of having a life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm; and people who haven’t had a life-threatening heart rhythm, but tests show they are at risk of one in the future which can be due to a condition such as Cardiomyopathy, Long QT syndrome or Brugada syndrome or faulty genes that one may have inherited.

Work of ICD:

Doctors insert ICDs under local anesthetic, but with sedation which can take anything from an hour to three or more (timing depends on the type of device one is having). A patient might need to stay overnight in hospital and ICD is checked thoroughly before leaving. ICD looks similar to a pacemaker and is inserted just under the collar bone, and is made up of a pulse generator and one or more electrode leads, which are placed into the ticker through a vein. For some people, a different type of ICD by the name of subcutaneous (under the skin) ICD – or SICD for short- may be appropriate. The only difference between SICD and ICD is that the former is inserted under the skin of the chest (outside of the ribcage) and there are no leads placed into the ticker.

ICD monitors the rate of heart with thin wires connecting it to the ticker. The device delivers treatments like pacing (series of low-voltage electrical impulses (paced beats) at a fast rate to try and correct the heart rhythm), cardioversion (one or more small electric shocks to try and restore to a normal rhythm) and defibrillation (larger electric shocks to try and restore the heart to a normal rhythm)- if it notices a dangerous rhythm.

Living with an ICD:

Regular follow-up appointments (can be every 3-12 months depending on the type of ICD) at your ICD clinic is necessary, so you can have your ICD checked. You’ll be required to have follow-up appointments for the rest of your life. It’s important to make lifestyle changes if you drive or take part in contact sports. Discuss everything with your doctor and clear all your queries before getting ICD fitted. You are bound to feel worried after having an ICD fitted and it often helps to talk about your feelings with someone close to you or with a healthcare professional.

If you are on the lookout to sign up for a CPR class in Nashville, don’t look beyond the AHA certified CPR Nashville inTennessee. There are courses for healthcare as well as non-healthcare providers. Learn more by calling CPR Nashville on 615-397-9316.