What conditions can be treated with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator?

New Guidelines: This is somewhat complex and will not all fit in 400 characters so I am creating initials. 1. Ischemic cardiomyopathy, i.C., with ejection fraction, ef, >30% but <35%, newyork heartassoc, nyha, class ii or iii, and >30 days post mi/revascularization. 2. Ic, ef <30%. 3. Ic, ef between 36-40% with inducible ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia, 4. Non-ic with ef <35% and nyha class ii or greater.

Arrhythmias: An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (icd) is primarily used to treat abnormally rapid heart rates that are considered to be life threatening. The most common of these conditions are ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. These devices can also act as pacemakers to treat low heart rates, but this is a secondary function.