An ICD in the heart is an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, a device that monitors and treats dangerous heart rhythms. According to information available, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a device that detects a life-threatening, rapid heartbeat. This abnormal heartbeat is called an arrhythmia.
Here's a breakdown:
How an ICD Works:
- Detection: The ICD continuously monitors the heart's electrical activity.
- Arrhythmia Identification: It recognizes dangerously fast heartbeats (ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation).
- Treatment Delivery: If a life-threatening arrhythmia is detected, the ICD delivers an electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.
Why is an ICD Implanted?
ICDs are implanted in people who are at risk of sudden cardiac arrest due to life-threatening arrhythmias. This includes individuals who have:
- Survived a previous cardiac arrest.
- Experienced sustained ventricular tachycardia.
- Certain heart conditions that increase the risk of arrhythmias (e.g., hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, long QT syndrome).
- Weakened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).
