I am suggested to put on ICD

I had pacemaker put in 11 months ago, overall, I have been feeling alright but occasionally I feel lightheaded, dizzy and when I exert, sometimes I feel woozy. Cardiologist suggested to put IDC. Right now, I am given beta blocker but i feel very tired and check pain.

Does anyone has similar experience? What the consequence if I put ICD?

Thanks so much for your comment.

Braveheart

2 Comments

Questions

by BillH - 2016-02-07 03:02:16

Many questions for your doctor.

Exactly what is the diagnose?

Why the recommendation for the ICD?

What is the prognosis?

And ICD will not directly deal with your symptoms. Beside having pacemaker function the ICD will shock the heart to try and get it back into normal rhythm if it detects a dangerous rhythm.

Have you been cardioverted? Either with IV meds or shock?

Do you have a long QT syndrome or other that can trigger dangerous rhythms.

The other condition for which a ICD is used is when you are in CHF and the ejection fraction is very low.

Yes, clarify with your Doc

by Grateful Heart - 2016-02-07 06:02:40

Also clarify, is the recommendation for an ICD (which also has the pacemaker function) or is it a Bi-Vent ICD aka CRT-D. The term ICD is often interchangeable. The CRT has 3 leads and will pace the atria and both ventricles (synchronizing the ventricles) as well as the "D" for defibrillator.

Consequences? It depends why you need it. I have a CRT-D and it has improved my heart function greatly. Not everyone has the same results.

Try not to be alarmed about the idea of a defibrillator (in case you are). If you need it....you need it. I have had mine for 7 years and it has not fired. We just have to keep it in perspective that if it does....then it is doing it's job. If you look at it as "extra security" or a Guardian Angel.....it's good to know it's there.

Write down all your questions (and ours...LOL) and get some answers. Knowledge is power and learning about your device and condition and how and why it all works can help ease your mind.

Good luck,

Grateful Heart

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