CA
A 38-year-old member asked:
what conditions can be treated with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Charles Jost answered
Cardiology 36 years experience
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.
6194 views

Dr. William Scott answered
Pediatric Cardiology 39 years experience
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.
5534 views
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Similar questions
A 31-year-old member asked:
Are there alternatives to an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Charles Jost answered
Cardiology 36 years experience
See below: Life vest - a wearable cardioverter defibrillator - or medical treatment.
6194 views
A 41-year-old member asked:
Is it safe to do physical activities if you have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator?
4 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Mark Stern answered
Cardiology 46 years experience
With common sense: With common sense, as long as you build up to it gradually, yes.
6256 views
A 24-year-old member asked:
What is the function of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator?
4 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in

Dr. Louis Grenzer answered
Cardiology 55 years experience
Shock the heart: The device has the abiltiy to sense when your heart is beating in an abnormal and dangerous way which could lead to you passing out or having your heart stop. It then delivers an electric shock to the heart to convert the abnormal rhythm back to normal. The device also can function as a pacemaker if your heart beat becomes too slow.
6232 views
A 30-year-old member asked:
When is an implantable cardioverter defibrillator used to treat patients with arrhythmias?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Charles Jost answered
Cardiology 36 years experience
IC + EF btwn 36-40%: When the patient has ischemic cardiomyopathy, ejection fraction between 36-40% with inducible ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia, .
6196 views

Dr. Warren Foster commented
Cardiac Electrophysiology 20 years experience
Of course, patients with an ejection fraction < 35%, that doesn't improve, are good candidates as well.
Aug 14, 2014

Dr. Warren Foster commented
Cardiac Electrophysiology 20 years experience
EF<35%, as well.
Aug 14, 2014
CA
A 38-year-old member asked:
What are the main parts of a implantable cardioverter-defibrillator?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Shahin Tavackoli answered
Cardiology 23 years experience
See below: Strictly speaking, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator has a generator (box) and a shocking lead (wire that goes through the vein to the right ventricle). The generator holds the circuitry and the battery, the lead delivers the shock to the heart.
6374 views
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Sep 28, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits
$15 per month
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.