cardiac arrest

I have a medtronic pm for sick sinus syndrome.  I had an ablation for hereditary arrhythmias about 6 weeks ago, primarily in the left atrium.  I went for my 4-week checkup and ended up with a cardiac arrest in the waiting room.  I don't even remember parking or walking into the office.  My EP and staff delivered about 20 min of CPR and 5 shocks.  Interrogation of the pm showed vtach to vfib to arrest.  I now have a Zoll life vest and will see my EP Tuesday for discussion of an implanted defibrillator.

I don't remember the first 3 days or so in the hospital.  I came home after a week exhausted and sore with rib fractures.  Luckily, I will recover completely, as the CPR was started right away and was affective.  I feel very lucky.  I have no heart disease.....just a very bad hereditary electrical system that has caused sudden death for my mom's brother and father at early ages.

Does anybody know if they use the same leads as the PM?  I'm a little overwhelmed with getting a defribrillator, but also realize I will have no choice.  

2 Comments

Pacemaker with defibrillator

by Hoser - 2016-07-29 19:18:28

Mine has three leads.

Wow

by Grateful Heart - 2016-07-29 21:29:00

You are very lucky, your Guardian Angel was watching out for you!  You were in the right place at the right time.

ICD's can be 1, 2 or 3 leads.  Since you already have a PM with 1 lead it will most likely be 2 or 3 depending on your heart condition. 

If 3 leads, it is a CRT-D (Cardiac Resynhconization Therapy with a defib.)  pacing both ventricles and atria so you will be getting a new device and at least 1 extra lead.  The defib lead is different having a shocking capability.  

Talk to your doc to be clear about which device you will be receiving and why.

The defib may seem overwhelming but just consider it extra protection.  I've had mine for over 7 years...the same one.  Try not to stress, you've been through a lot.

Grateful Heart

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