Implantable Cardioverter-Difibrillators (ICDs)

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) a pager-sized device which is implanted in your chest like a pacemaker may reduce your risk of dying if your heart stops beating (cardiac arrest). You may need an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator if you have a dangerously fast heartbeat (ventricular tachycardia) or a chaotic heartbeat that makes it so your heart can`t supply enough blood to the rest of your body (ventricular fibrillation). Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators work by detecting and stopping dangerous, abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias). An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator continuously monitors your heartbeat and delivers electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm when necessary.