What’s inappropriate therapy?
A. Though the programming in the ICD’s is very sophisticated there are situations where physicians may misdiagnose your situation resulting in improper ICD programming, and you get a shock/zap/therapy that is not needed. This is called an inappropriate therapy. Many inappropriate therapy situations can be addressed by reprogramming in your ICD. Others may be avoided by medication. Finally, the ICD manufacturers are always trying to improve their devices to avoid these situations. The vast majority of shocks received are appropriate and life saving therapy. If you do receive an “inappropriate therapy,” don’t be surprised if you wish that your doctor, nurse, etc would receive a little “inappropriate therapy” themselves. Especially, if they caused the problem by the settings.
