Who Needs an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator?
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are used in children, adolescents, and adults. Your doctor may recommend an ICD if you re at risk for certain types of arrhythmia. ICDs are used to treat life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, such as those that cause the ventricles to beat too fast or quiver. You may be considered at high risk for a ventricular arrhythmia if you: • Have had a ventricular arrhythmia before • Have had a heart attack that has damaged your heart s electrical system ICDs often are recommended for people who have survived sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). People who have certain heart conditions that put them at high risk for SCA also may need ICDs. For example, some people who have long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, or congenital heart disease may benefit from an ICD, even if they ve never had ventricular arrhythmias before. Some people who have heart failure may need a CRT-D device. This device combines a type of pacemaker called a cardiac resynchronization th
