| An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a potentially life-saving device as it can protect an individual from dangerous heart rhythm changes.
An ICD is normally offered to people who have suffered a cardiac arrest, or who have been assessed as being at increased risk of dangerous heart rhythms.
The small device, the size of a pacemaker, is placed under the skin, usually on the left side in the area of the upper chest, with one or more leads that connect the box to the heart through a vein.
It can take some time to psychologically adjust to having an ICD.
There are some possible reasons for this :
 Changes to how you feel about yourself.
Adjusting to the knowledge that you have an increased risk of heart rhythm changes.
Worry about how your family now perceive you with an ICD.
Adjusting to the concept of lifelong follow up for the ICD and the need for future procedures to replace the ICD as the battery runs down.
Feeling as if you have lost control over yourself.
Worry that the device might deliver a shock at any time.
Working through any changes that need to be made to your lifestyle, including work, sports and hobbies.
The potential need for support when adjusting to having an ICD is recognised by the doctors and nurses who work in this field.
Where an ICD is proposed in a non-emergency situation, thorough preparation prior to implantation can hel ease the period of adjustment after the ICD has been fitted.
ALWAYS REMEMBER |
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"It can take some time to adjust psychologically to having an ICD.
Do not judge yourself harshly if you struggle to accept one. "
Simon Waller
Cardiomyopathy Nurse Specialist
What ICDs do
Monitor and store information about your heart rate and rhythm
Can pace the heart if your heart rhythm slows
Deliver anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP). If your heart rhythm is too fast, and ICD will deliver a series of paced beats to restore the heart rhythm to normal
Defibrillate (shock) the heart if the device senses a dangerous rhythm such as ventricular fibrillation and where ATP has not been successfull. the shock returns the heart rhythm to normal. |
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There are a number of subjects that could be discussed with your cardiologist or specialist nurse to help with the adjustment process.
These might include :
How the ICD works and how it is implanted and subsequemtly checked.
The reasons why you have been offered an ICD.
What action to take if you think you have had a shock from your ICD.
Whether an ICD would result in changes to work or leisure activities.
Who to contact if you have any worries or concerns.
It can help to have your partner or other significant family member present during such discussions as it can help them to understand how having an ICD might affect you.
Asking to talk to someone who already has an ICD can help to gain some insight into what it is like to live with one.
This can sometimes be arranged through your hospital, ot you could contact one of the CMA's Key Contacts who have an ICD.
Alternatively, you could also contact the CMA and ask for a Key Contact with an ICD to contacct you.
If, after you have received your ICD, you find that you are struggling, support is also available should you require it.
This can be in the form of emotional support or practical advice and there are a number of options available :
Discuss any difficulties you are having with your doctor or nurse specialist.
It might help to talk to a friend or family mamber about how you are feeling.
Some hospital cardiac rehabilitation departments offer programmes of education, exercise and psychosocial help to individuals with an ICD. If available it can be accessed through your GP or the hospital that oversees your care.
There might be an ICD support group in your area. These are normally organised through the hospital where you had your device fitted.
Key Contacts at the CMA can also be a great source of support.
Most manufacturers of ICDs will have a website with an area dedicated to information to your device. |
Cardiomyopathy
Scottish Support Group 