Better Understanding

Can someone please tell me the difference between the Implantable Defibrillator, and a Pacemaker? I have gotten mixed answeres in the past. Thank you

2 Comments

PMI and ICD

by BillH - 2015-12-22 08:12:39

There are a number of variations, but basically a pacemaker monitors the pulse in either the upper chamber (atrial) or lower chamber (ventricle) or both.

And if the pulse does not occur or is too delayed it will then generate a pulse to trigger one or both of the chambers to contract and pump blood. Now depending on the type of heart problems there is a large variation in which chamber is sensed, which is pulses, the rate of pulsing, how long it will wait for a natural pulse, etc, etc.

An implantable defibrillator (ICD) is used when the heart gets into a rhythm where it beats too fast or flutters and can't pump blood. This can lead to death unless it is corrected. It is called SCD sudden cardiac arrest.

The ICD is like the defibrillator that you see used TV hospital shows where they have Code Blue. But it is built in and uses less power. The ICD detects the problem and then if needed it will "shock" the heart to try and get back into a normal pattern.

This can be cause by either genetic ammonalies, which often show up in youth and young adults. Or by a heart attack, usually in older people.

One confusing point is that people that need an ICD also need a pacemaker. So most ICD's also include pacemaker functions.

defnitions

by Tracey_E - 2015-12-22 10:12:42

One thing to add to the definitions above. All icd's have pacemakers also. Even if you don't generally need pacing, it's often necessary after the defib fires.

ICD's have an extra lead and are considerably larger than a regular pacemaker. If you aren't sure which you have, it's likely a pacemaker.

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The experience of having a couple of lengths of wire fed into your heart muscle and an electronic 'box' tucked under the skin is not an insignificant event, but you will survive.