Query

Is an ICD the same as a pacemaker? Sorry to be so ignorant but only had mine since January, a pacemaker that is.

By the way, don't want to speak too soon but since they altered all my settings I have been feeling better. Still tired but I think at last I am on the way up.

Thanks for all help given when I have been whining on the site - all your responses were helpful and I still log on daily just to have a read.

Take care everyone

Love Jules

4 Comments

Question

by BOB 1 - 2008-03-14 05:03:32

I think it depends on who you ask. But to me, an ICD is a defibrillator and not a pacemaker, although you can get both in the same package. Maybe the definition below can help.

From Wikipedia:

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), also known as an automated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD), is a small battery-powered electrical impulse generator which is implanted in patients who are at risk of sudden cardiac death due to ventricular fibrillation. The device is programmed to detect cardiac arrhythmia and correct it by delivering a jolt of electricity. In current variants, the ability to revert ventricular fibrillation has been extended to include both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias as well as the ability to perform biventricular pacing in patients with congestive heart failure or bradycardia.

The process of implantation of an ICD is similar to implantation of a pacemaker. Similar to pacemakers, these devices typically include electrode wire/s which pass through a vein to the right chambers of the heart, usually being lodged in the apex of the right ventricle. The difference is that pacemakers are more often temporary and generally designed to consistently correct bradycardia, while AICDs are often permanent safeguards against sudden abnormalities.

Good news

by bowlrbob - 2008-03-14 08:03:11

As I have said to others don't beat your self up for not feeling 100% right away. It takes adjustments to get the settings right. Then it takes time for the body to catch back up. Who knows how long things weren't right. It took time to get sick then you stay sick for some time. I was down for at least 2 years and didn't even know it. Once the settings got corrected it took over a year to get back to what I would call normal. This is not easy on the system. During that catch up year it seemed as though I got every virus/germ that came along, Flu, colds you name it I got it. But this year nearly nothing. Next year you will feel much better too. Bowlrbob

ICD vs Pacemaker

by turboz24 - 2008-03-14 09:03:53

an ICD is essentially a pacemaker with the additional feature of being able to stop arrythmia's, like Tachycardia's/fibulations.

Most ICD's can also function as a pacemaker, but because of the additional coil and battery, an ICD is around the size of a pack of cards, for example mine is 2.25" x 3" and around .45" thick, so an ICD is quite a bit larger than most pacemakers.

I am hoping

by gmnordy - 2008-03-15 10:03:25

That an ICD is the same as a pacemaker, because I believe I am going to have an ICD implanted on April 11th and I am totally dependent on my pacemaker.
My Ep doc did say they are the same.
Debbi

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