Should I get an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for heart failure?
People who have heart failure sometimes have an abnormal heart rhythm that can cause sudden cardiac arrest and death. This means that their heart stops and they will die unless the abnormal rhythm is fixed right away. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (also called an ICD) is a device that gives the heart a shock to stop a deadly rhythm and return the heart to a normal rhythm. An ICD is often placed in people who have survived an abnormal rhythm that could cause sudden death. This decision aid focuses on whether to get an ICD if you have not had a heart rhythm that could be deadly but are at risk for one. Consider the following when making your decision: • Your doctor may suggest an ICD if you are at risk of having an abnormal heart rhythm that could cause sudden death. Tests can show if you are at risk. • Many medical facts play a role in whether you should get an ICD. For example, the amount of blood your heart pumps (ejection fraction) helps your doctor decide if an ICD is ri
