Tips To Live With Your Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

If you are living with an ICD (which can be scary), especially if you have made the decision quickly due to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), you need to know that you aren’t alone or without support. According to research, ICDs can improve quality of life and extend life. By understanding more about the conditions that led to the implantation of the device, the device itself and what to expect from having it- you may live more confidently with an ICD.

The best way to handle out-of-hospital cardiac emergencies is by getting trained in the life-saving CPR procedure. The procedure comprises chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application can revive the life of a cardiac arrest victim. If you are on the lookout to sign up for a CPR course in Nashville, don’t look beyond the AHA certified CPR Nashville in Tennessee for acquiring training. Courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers are offered. Become certified at the end of the training classes after successfully passing a skills test and written exam. An AHA CPR certification comes with a validity of 2 years which means you will have to go for a CPR renewal Nashville program to extend the validity of your AHA provider card.

Tips to live with your ICD:

Take Medications- Take medications exactly as instructed as medications are part of your treatment plan that includes your ICD. Medications work with your device and help your ticker pump regularly. It is as important that you keep records of what medications you take and when. It is better that you learn more about arrhythmia medications in general.

Underlying Conditions- Keep in mind that an ICD doesn’t change the underlying condition that led to the implantation of it. The device is implanted to help prevent SCA whether due to heart failure (HF) or a genetic risk for SCA. Although using an ICD doesn’t reverse heart disease or alter a gene, but it does reduce your risk of cardiac arrest. Follow your doctor’s instructions for treating your underlying conditions.

Understand Your Device And All Instructions- Check your device regularly to find out how the wires are working, how the battery is doing, and how your condition and any external devices have affected the device’s performance. ICD batteries last 5 to 7 years. Your healthcare provider may check your device several times a year, and they use a special analyzer to detect the first warning that the batteries are running down, before you can detect any changes yourself. Your device is completely protected against contact with water so feel free to take baths and showers. It’s advisable to stay away from magnets and strong electrical fields, and inform airport or other screeners that you have an ICD.

Adhere To Activity Instructions- Follow the restrictions on activity and any other recommendations from your doctor. It takes around 8 weeks for your ICD to settle firmly in place so avoid sudden, jerky or violent actions during this time. Do not cause pressure over the area of your chest where your ICD was put in. You cannot drive commercially when you have the device. You can probably drive about a week after your implantation surgery, your doctor is the one to give you a green light. You need to be physically active everyday which can even include a short walk or simply moving your arms and legs to help your circulation. Ask your doctor about how and when to increase activity. You’ll most probably be able to perform all of you normal activities within a few days of surgery other than the heavy lifting and high-impact activities. Don’t overdo it though.

Don’t leave home without your ICD wallet ID card. For additional security and convenience, consider also getting an I.D. bracelet or necklace.

At CPR Nashville, either register for a course online or call on 615-397-9316 for the same.

Types And Symptoms Of Arrhythmias And AHA CPR Classes In Nashville

Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) means your heartbeat is irregular which doesn’t necessarily mean your ticker is beating too fast or too slow, it actually means that your ticker is out of its normal rhythm. It feels like your ticker skipped a beat, added a beat, is beating too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (called bradycardia). You may not notice anything as well since some “arrhythmias” are silent. Abnormal heart rhythms can be an emergency (they may be life-threatening), or they may be harmless. Call 911 if you feel something unusual happening with your heartbeat in order for doctors to find out the reason behind it and things that you need to know about it.

Arrhythmia Symptoms:

As we have mentioned, an arrhythmia can be “silent” which means you don’t notice any symptoms. A doctor to find an irregular heartbeat usually conducts a physical exam by taking an individual’s pulse or through an electrocardiogram (ECG). The symptoms- if you do have- may include palpitations (a feeling of skipped heart beats), pounding in the chest, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, weakness or fatigue, dizziness or feeling light-headed.

Causes:

You could have an arrhythmia even if your ticker is healthy or it could happen because of cardiovascular disease, changes in heart muscle, injury from a heart attack, healing process after heart surgery, the wrong balance of electrolytes in the blood.

If you are on the lookout for an American Heart Association CPR class Nashville, don’t look beyond the AHA certified CPR Nashville in Tennessee for your CPR training. Proper application of the CPR procedure (a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths) can revive the life of a cardiac arrest victim.

Types of Arrhythmias:

Premature atrial contractions- These are early extra beats that start in the atria- heart’s upper chambers. These do not require any treatment as they are usually harmless.

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) - This is one of the most common arrhythmias which we all occasionally feel- they are the skipped heartbeat. They can be associated with stress or too much caffeine or nicotine. But sometimes, they can be caused by cardiovascular disease or electrolyte imbalance. See a cardiologist if you have a lot of PVCs, or symptoms linked to them.

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) - This is a common irregular heart rhythm that causes the upper chambers of the ticker to contract abnormally.

Atrial Flutter- This abnormal rhythm is usually more organized and regular than atrial fibrillation which happens most often in people with heart disease and in the first week after heart surgery. Atrial flutter may change to AFib.

Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach) - This rapid abnormal rhythm starts from the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles). The ticker cannot fill up with enough blood because of beating too fast. This abnormal rhythm can be life-threatening particularly in people with heart disease.

Ventricular Fibrillation- VFib occurs when the heart’s lower chambers quiver and can’t contract or pump blood to the body. This is a medical emergency, it is the most common cause of cardiac arrest. It must be treated with CPR and defibrillation as soon as possible.

Training in how to operate an Automated External Defibrillator device for the process of defibrillation is imparted in the CPR class itself.

Long QT Syndrome- Potentially dangerous arrhythmias and sudden death can occur due to Long QT Syndrome that doctors treat with medications or devices called defibrillators.

Bradyarrhythmias- A disease in the heart’s electrical system may cause these slow heart rhythms. When this occurs, an individual may feel like they are going to pass out, or actually pass out. A pacemaker could be the treatment for this.

Sinus Node Dysfunction- This abnormal slow heart rhythm happens due to a problem with the ticker’s sinus node. Some people would need a pacemaker for this type of arrhythmia.

Heart Block- There’s a delay or a complete block of the electrical impulse as it travels from the sinus node of the heart to its lower chambers causing the ticker to beat irregularly and often, more slowly. You’d get a pacemaker in serious cases.

To sign up for a CPR course at CPR Nashville, either register online or call on 615-397-9316.

Cardiomyopathy Prevention Tips And Treatment Measures And AHA CPR Nashville Classes

Individuals who have cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease) but no signs and symptoms may not need treatment. There are different types of cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy that come on suddenly sometimes, may even go on its own. Treatment is needed in other instances that depends on a few factors including the type of cardiomyopathy, severity of symptoms and complications, your age and overall health. The objectives when treating the condition includes stopping the disease from worsening, managing conditions that cause or contribute to the disease, lowering complications and the risk of a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), controlling symptoms in order to live as normally as possible.

You cannot predict the occurrence of a sudden cardiac arrest. What you can do is stay prepared to handle such emergencies efficiently. Proper application of the CPR procedure (a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths) can restore the life of a cardiac arrest victim. To sign up for an American HeartAssociation CPR class Nashville, don’t look beyond the AHA certified CPR Nashville in Tennessee. Classes are conducted through a series of audio and video lectures and hands-on practice.

Treatments for Cardiomyopathies:

Lifestyle Changes:

1.      A healthy lifestyle includes a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Your diet should include a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains where half of your grains should be coming from whole-grain products. Go for foods that are low in saturated and trans fats with some healthy choices being lean meats, poultry without skin, non-fried fish, beans as well as fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products. Prepare foods with little salt as too much salt can raise your risk of high blood pressure. Opt for foods and beverages that are low in added sugar. Avoid alcohol. Maintain a healthy weight by staying within your daily calorie needs. Be as physically active as you can, talk to your doctor with regards to the most appropriate activity for you.

2.      Quit smoking

3.      Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs

4.      Reduce stress

5.      Get enough sleep

6.      Treat underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes

Medications:

1.      Medicines that lower blood pressure include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers.

2.      Medicines that slow the heart rate include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin.

3.      Antiarrhythmics, help prevent arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).

4.      Prevent blood clot formation if you have dilated cardiomyopathy with Anticoagulants (PDF), or blood thinners.

5.      Medications like corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation.

6.      Remove excess fluid and sodium from the bodywith Diuretics, or “water pills”.

Surgical and Nonsurgical Procedures for Cardiomyopathy:

1.      Septal Myectomy- This open-heart surgery is considered for people who have obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and severe symptoms.

2.      Surgically Implanted Devices-Surgeons can implant several types of devices in the body to help the ticker work better, including pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), left ventricular assist device, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device.

3.      Heart Transplant- This is a last resort for individuals who’ve end-stage heart failureduring which a person’s diseased heart is replaced with a healthy heart from a deceased donor.

Preventing Cardiomyopathy:

Inherited types of cardiomyopathy cannot be prevented. But there are steps you can take to lower your risk for conditions that may lead to (or complicate) cardiomyopathy, such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and heart attack. An underlying disease or condition can also lead to the condition. You can prevent complications presented by cardiomyopathy by treating the initial problem early enough.

Get regular checkups with your doctor, follow your healthcare provider’s advice about lifestyle changes, take your medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor- to control the underlying conditions of high blood pressure, diabetes and high blood cholesterol.

For more information or to sign up for a CPR course at CPR Nashville, call us on 615-397-9316.

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.

Facts about Silent Atrial Fibrillation and AHA Certified CPR Nashville in TN

When it comes to the symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib), they are so subtle and signs can be so vague that you you’ll never think they’re caused by a heart condition. But, you could have atrial fibrillation and not even know it as some people have no symptoms at all, it is called silent A-fib.
A-fib Diagnosis:

Your heart’s upper chambers can’t fill up all the way with blood when you have A-fib (a common type of irregular heartbeat) which can lead to formation of clots and then travel to your brain to cause a stroke. Doctors are likely to pick up A-fib signs at regular physicals. Tests like electrocardiogram that track the electrical signals your ticker makes as it beats- are used to diagnose this condition. A-fib can go away on its own for some people whereas others will need treatment to prevent blood clots and strokes.

Symptoms:
Out of the many possible A-fib symptoms, some are so subtle that they may be confusing. Fatigue or lack of energy, shortness of breath, weakness, quick or uneven pulse, sweating; pain, pressure or tightness in your chest; heartbeat that races, pounds or flutters- could be signs of A-fib.
A-fib Risk Factors:

You are more likely to get A-fib if you have risk factors, such as obesity, older age, high blood pressure, family history of the condition, previous heart surgery, diabetes, thyroid problems, chronic kidney disease, lung disease, sleep apnea, alcoholism and other heart conditions like heart disease, heart valve problems, or heart failure (HF).

If left untreated, the condition can lead to blood clots that could cause a stroke. The rapid heartbeat of A-fib can weaken your heart muscle which can lead to HF which is when your ticker can’t pump enough blood to your organs. HF causes severe fatigue, weakness, and fluid buildup in your legs and feet. Treating the condition can help you reset your quick or irregular heartbeat which may help prevent blood clots and lower your risk of stroke.

If you have symptoms that could be A-fib especially if you have any risk factors, immediately fix an appointment with your doctor who can diagnose the condition and prescribe any treatments you need. Do not ignore chest pain or pressure, it could be a heart attack. Call 911 and go to the emergency room with immediate effect.

Tools to Check for A-fib Signs:
Healthcare providers test the rate of heart and rhythm to diagnose atrial fibrillation. You may be required to wear a heart monitor for a few days, weeks, or all the time to track your ticker’s activity. Newer devices such as heart rate trackers, heart-smart watches, smartphone apps, etc.- could be worn on the wrist or slipped into the pocket which can alert you and your doctor to possible AFib.

The best way to handle out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases is by joining a CPR class and getting trained in the life-saving technique. Select a certified training site for acquiring training, such as the AHA certified CPR Nashville in Tennessee. Call on 615-397-9316 to sign up for a course.

Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors of Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricular Fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm that occurs when the ticker beats with rapid, erratic electrical impulses that causes the ticker’s pumping chambers- the ventricles- to quiver uselessly, instead of pumping oxygen-rich blood. Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening emergency necessitating immediate attention, it causes the person to collapse within seconds. It is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death. Emergency treatment options include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and shocks to the heart with a device called an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Symptoms:

Unconsciousness (loss of consciousness) is the most common sign. Ventricular fibrillation can also occur due to ventricular tachycardia (VT) - a condition in which the lower chambers of your heart beat too rapidly. Signs and symptoms of VT include chest pain, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness.

When to Seek Medical Help:

Seek medical help with immediate effect if you or someone else is experiencing the above signs and symptoms.

1.      Dial 911 or the emergency number in your area.

2.      Check for a pulse if the person is unconscious.

3.      Perform CPR to help maintain blood flow to the organs until an electrical shock (defibrillation) can be given by staring with pushing hard and fast on the person's chest — about 100 compressions a minute. Only if you are trained in CPR that you check the person’s airway or deliver rescue breaths.

4.      Get hold of an AED device that is available in an increasing number of places, such as in airplanes, police cars and shopping malls. AEDs can deliver an electrical shock that may restart heartbeats.

Causes of Ventricular Fibrillation:

The cause isn’t always known with the most common cause of Ventricular Fibrillation being a problem in the electrical impulses traveling through your ticker after a first heart attack or problems resulting from a scar in your heart's muscle tissue from a previous heart attack. VF sometimes begins as a rapid heartbeat called ventricular tachycardia (VT), which again is caused by abnormal electrical impulses that start in the ventricles. VT mainly occurs in people with a heart-related problem, such as scars or damage from a heart attack, it can last 30 seconds and may not cause any symptoms, at the same time VT may be a sign of more-serious heart problems. Palpitations, dizziness or fainting will occur if VT lasts more than 30 seconds. If left untreated, VT often leads to ventricular fibrillation. Most VF cases are tied with some form of heart disease.

Risk Factors:

1.      Previous heart attack

2.      Previous episode of ventricular fibrillation

3.      Congenital heart disease (heart defect one is born with)

4.      Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease)

5.      Injuries causing damage to the heart muscle, such as electrocution

6.      Electrolyte abnormalities, such as with potassium or magnesium

Prevention:

Talk to your doctor regarding genetic screening if you have a first-degree relative with an inherited heart condition because early identification of an inherited heart issue can guide preventive care and reduce your risk of complications.

For CPR training, make sure to select a certified training site, such as the AHA certified CPR Nashville in Tennessee. Certified instructors conduct the classes through a series of audio and video lectures and hands-on practice. Become AHA certified at the end of training classes after successfully passing a skills test and written exam. Contact CPR Nashville on 615-397-9316 to register for a course. 

Treatment, Symptoms and Causes of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular or circulatory system supplies the body with oxygen-rich blood and consists of the heart, arteries, veins and capillaries. There are several types of cardiovascular disease such as angina (both a cardiac and vascular disease), congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease (affects the arteries that feeds the heart muscle), heart attack (myocardial infarction), dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure (HF- when the ticker doesn’t work properly), arrhythmia (there’s an irregular heartbeat or heart rhythm), mitral regurgitation, mitral valve prolapse, pulmonary stenosis, rheumatic heart disease (it can be a complication of strep throat).

Vascular diseases like peripheral artery disease, atherosclerosis, aneurysm, renal artery disease, peripheral venous disease, Raynaud's disease (rare disorder of the blood vessels, usually in the fingers and toes), Buerger's disease (inflammation and thrombosis in small and medium-sized blood vessels, typically in the legs and leading to gangrene), stroke, venous blood clots, blood clotting disorders- affect the blood vessels (the arteries, veins and capillaries).

Causes:

Atherosclerosis, when fatty deposits accumulate in the arteries- is one of the most important causes of cardiovascular disease. Circulatory system damage can also result from diabetes and as the result of other health conditions, such as a virus, an infection, or a structural problem that the individual was born with that often involves high blood pressure, which again can be both a cause and a result of cardiovascular disease.

Risk Factors:

High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, radiation therapy, smoking, inadequate sleep, diabetes, diets high in fat combined with carbohydrates, physical inactivity, consumption of too much alcohol, air pollution, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and reduced lung function and stress are some of the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis and hypertension are the most common cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Symptoms:

Symptoms vary depending on the specific type of disease a patient has with some typical symptoms of an underlying cardiovascular issue being chest pain or pressure which may indicate angina, shortness of breath, nausea and fatigue, light-headedness, cold sweat, pain discomfort in the arms, the left shoulder, elbows, jaw, or back. These are the most common symptoms although symptoms vary and are specific to the condition and the individual.

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the type of condition the person has. Main goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, prevent complications and reduce the risk of the condition recurring or worsening. Treatment options include medication, for instance, to reduce LDL cholesterol or blood pressure; surgery, such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG); lifestyle changes, such as exercising, quitting smoking and dietary changes and cardiac rehabilitation. Treatment may also aim to stabilize heart rhythms, reduce blockages, and widen the arteries to enable a better flow of blood depending on one’s condition.

Prevention:

Fortunately, majority of CVDs are preventable. You need to address your risk factors. For example, reduce salt intake (higher risk for hypertension), consume less alcohol and tobacco, avoid sedentary lifestyle and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Having cardiovascular disease increases the risk of life-threatening cardiac emergencies like a cardiac arrest or heart attack. Get CPR trained and face these emergencies efficiently. To join a CPR course, contact CPR Nashville on 615-397-9316.