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An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) helps protect you against dangerous heart rhythms. It's important to know how this device works and how to keep it working right. Learning a few important facts about ICDs can help you get the best results from your device.
You may have a device that combines an ICD with a pacemaker, which keeps your heart from beating too slowly. To learn about pacemakers, see Heart Problems: Living With a Pacemaker.
Some electric devices have a strong electromagnetic field. This field can keep your ICD from working right for a short time. These devices are in your home, garage, workplace, and hospital.
Many other devices do not affect how an ICD works. You can use these safely when they are in good working condition.
Check with your doctor or the manufacturer of your ICD. They can give you a full list of what is safe, what you need to avoid, and what you need to keep a short distance away from your ICD.
Here are some examples.
Devices to avoid
Avoid devices with strong electromagnetic fields, such as:
Devices to be cautious around
Keep your ICD at least 0.6 m (2 ft) away from:
Keep your ICD at least 30 cm (12 in.) away from:
Keep your ICD at least 15 cm (6 in.) away from:
Do not stand near:
Devices that do not affect an ICD
If you get a shock from your ICD, follow the plan you set up with your doctor. In general, your plan depends on how you feel after you get a shock and how many times you get a shock.
After one shock:
After a second shock within 24 hours:
Some ICDs have an alarm system that can tell you when to call your doctor. The alarm does not mean that your ICD is not working. It means that your doctor needs to check something on your ICD. For example, an alarm might mean that the battery needs to be checked.
Your doctor can tell you what your alarm will sound like or feel like. You might hear beeping. Or you might feel a vibration, like a cell phone vibration.
Call your doctor right away if you hear or feel an alarm.
Many medical tests and procedures won't affect your ICD. But some procedures include electromagnetic fields that could affect how your ICD works. To be safe:
You can travel safely with a cardiac device. But you'll want to be prepared before you go.
If you have an arrhythmia or an ICD that makes it dangerous for you to drive, your doctor might suggest that you stop driving, at least for a short time. You probably don't have to stop or limit driving if your arrhythmia doesn't cause bad symptoms. To learn more, see Heart Rhythm Problems and Driving.
If you think you have an infection near your device, call your doctor right away. Signs of an infection include:
Ask your doctor what sort of activity and intensity is safe for you. ICDs are set to shock at a specific heart rate. So your target heart rate during exercise will probably be at least 10 to 15 beats below the ICD discharge heart rate.
You doctor can help you learn how to use a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) as a way to tell how hard you are exercising. This can help you keep your heart rate at a safe level during exercise.
Stop exercising and call your doctor if you have:
Most people who have an ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) can have an active sex life. If your doctor says that you can exercise and be active, then it's probably safe for you to have sex.
After you get the device implanted, you'll let your chest heal for a short time before resuming sex. If you or your partner is worried about resuming sex, talk with your doctor about your concerns. Your doctor or another health professional can give you support and advice.
What if I get shocked? Many people with ICDs worry that their ICD might shock them during sex. The risk of getting a shock during sex seems to be the same as during any other similar level of exercise. If you get a shock during sex, you will follow your plan about when to call your doctor.
Will my partner get shocked? Some people worry that if they get shocked during sex, their partner might be hurt. But your partner will not be shocked or feel any pain if you get shocked.
You may feel nervous about living with an ICD, and you may worry about getting shocked.
The shock can be uncomfortable. It may feel like you are being kicked in the chest. For many people, getting a shock can cause anxiety and depression.
It's common to be worried about living with an ICD. After all, you don't know when a shock might occur, and a shock could be a reminder that your heart is not as healthy as it could be. But if you take a few simple steps, you can feel better about having an ICD.
As you plan for your future and your end of life, include plans for your ICD. You can make the decision to turn off your ICD as part of the medical treatment you want at the end of life. You can put this information in your advance directive.
Current as of: January 10, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Rakesh K. Pai MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo MD - Internal Medicine & Stephen Fort MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology & John M. Miller MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
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