question

Does anyone have or know someone that has both a pacemaker and ICD implanted? I understand that an ICD can act to assist in both fast and slow rates, but is primarily for fast rates.

2 Comments

ICD's

by cesmith5 - 2008-02-12 08:02:28

Hi kmj, An ICD is a device that delivers a shock to the heart when the heart experiences a sudden charge in cardiac rhythm such as sudden cardiac death, ventricular fibrillation or sustained ventrirucular tachycardia. That is usually its primary function. Some implants are an ICD/Pacemaker combination. However, the newer ICD's I have heard also work as a pacemaker for when the heart beats too slow. Lots of information can be found online about the devices. Best Regards,
Colleen

biventricular pacers

by PreciousDays - 2008-02-16 01:02:46

One type of ICD and Pacemaker is the biventircular pacer. It is an ICD - but also works to get the ventricals to beat insynch with each other. If that's what you are talking about. It is the kind I have - I don't know what it does in the case of slow rates - I've never had one. I run 120 or so - sometimes higher - even with meds. - I suppose if I get near death and my pulse drops very low something might happen to pick it back up - but I have never asked about that happening.
Good luck getting the info you need - my doc had mine implanted - bad leads and all - before I really understood what was happening - and I tried Hard to get as much info as I could - despite being pretty rottenly sick. - take care - PD

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