Pacemaker vs defibrillator

Common Questions and Answers about Pacemaker vs defibrillator

pacemaker

Avatar n tn Ana, I had my defibrillator implanted last July, in fact it was done on my 50th birthday. A defibrillator does not prevent a heart attack, that is not what it is for. What it does is prevent SCA, Sudden Cardiac Arrest and death which accompanies that. I suffered three near fatal heart attacks since the implant was done and knew that the device was not at fault. I was supposed to be on medications for my heart problems and ran out, so, I had the heart attacks.
Avatar m tn Mom is 90 yrs old and has severe dementia. She is need of a new pacemaker battery. Cardiologist said they don't change batteries - the whole pacemaker is changed. She is using her pacemaker 95% of the day. Is is a good idea to change this? Can you still die with a pacemaker? I know if she could make the decision herself she would tell me to not change it and leave well enough alone. I don't know what to do.
Avatar n tn Because it has a pacemaker built into it, a defibrillator also has the capability of stimulating the heart like a pacemaker, to help stop fast rhythms, at times, and to prevent the heart from getting too slow. "Pacemakers are a somewhat controversial treatment for neurocardiogenic syncope. Many studies have suggested the efficacy of pacemakers.
Avatar m tn I don't understand your question, but: 1) I believe bypass surgery (to replace blocked arteries) is not considered "open heart surgery". 2) I believe a defibrillator and pacemaker do not require open heart surgery. Why do you want open heart surgery?
Avatar m tn They want to determine if they should put a defibrillator/pacemaker in me instead of just replacing my existing pacemakers battery. This procedure scares the heck out of me and I'd rather NOT do this test or get a defibrillator if at all possible. Is there anything I should ask the doctor or know before I make my decision to go through with the EP study? Can we try medications and do more frequent pacemaker checks to see if these episodes can be controlled by medications?
Avatar f tn My dr wanted me to get a difibrillator (is that the same as a pacemaker) . My ef was 20 to 25. I am 66yrs old female. I just don't know if it is worth it to go through the procedure. What does it really help. I have had some advice from others that have had it done and felt worse after getting the fib. I sure don't want to feel worse. I get so tired now at times. If you can help me with this I would appreciate it. thnaks!
Avatar n tn My cardiologist now wants to do a TEE after my muga scan showed the above EF. She also is recomending a defibrillator. If I feel well Why should I have this done?
Avatar n tn i have had 13 more catherizations,CABG for two arterys,and 3 more stent inplants.It has been a stressful 13 years,My doctors want me to have a defib and 2 pacemaker leads inplanted,The studies seem pretty vague on if someone post 5 yr.M.I.,who has not fibrillated in 12 + years has a need for a defirillator???I would like to know what new procedures are available(laser?)if any that might help my E.F. increase??
Avatar f tn This device looks like a pacemaker and is implanted at the same position as a pacemaker. One of the possible functions of the ICD is antitachycardia pacing. It is an expensive device. You should discuss with your cardiologist if you would benefit from such a device or that perhaps other treatment options that you have not yet considered might be more beneficial.
Avatar n tn Everything went well and I do not have a pacemaker. I was told by my EP that if I needed an AV node ablation then I would need a pacemaker, thankfully that did not need to happen.
Avatar n tn Neither amiodarone nor LifeVest help with heart failure symptoms as biventricular pacemaker/defibrillator does. However they are used to protect from lethal arrhythmias. Life Vest would likely be more effective for treatment of these lethal rhythms but you mentioned that there is no history of defibrillator shocks (i.e no history of lethal rhythms or no history of lethal rhythms long enough to warrant therapy).
Avatar n tn My husband had pericardial effusion from the implantation of a pacemaker defibrillator with resynchronization lead.
1507741 tn?1290022955 I have been living for 14 months with complete Heart ablation 100% reliant on pacemaker. Doc says I need a new unit (AICD) apparently with defibulator. my question is, Does it hurt alot when a defibulator kicks in?
Avatar n tn A single lead ICD, Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator capable of pacing and defibrillator (I am not sure if a pacemaker has only one function i.e. pacing) cost me approx Rs 450000 (USD 10000) including surgery. More complicated ones could cost double. In India you can negotiate the cost with representatives of different ICD brands and get a good deal. There are many models of ICDs with different battery life. You must choose the most optimum with your cardiologist's help.
Avatar m tn Wondering if anyone has or would consider developing a Droid APP for Medtronics Pacer/Defibers. I have a BiV-ICD and live alone. With the advent of smart phones, I've done away with a land line and so the telephone checkups are no longer an option. I know my unit broadcasts a signal at certain times, because my old heart in-home monitor only needed to be within 50 ft or so to pick up my pacer signal.
Avatar f tn EMG testing is extremely safe, but talk with your doctor if you take blood thinners, have a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator before having the test. No special preparation is needed for people who have a hip, knee or other joint replacement prosthesis. If you are taking anticoagulation medications (blood thinners) or have a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator, you should notify their doctor before having the test.
Avatar m tn My mom had a medtronic pacemaker for 12 years before she needed a new one. Should could not live without a pacemaker/defibrillator and her heart medication. There have been 12 people in our family with heart disease. Only one was recommended for a pacemaker/defibrillator so far. I know doctors here in Minnesota do not suggest a pacemaker/debrillator unless it is really needed. Sounds to me like your doctor are giving excellent advice. Take care and let us know how you are doing.
Avatar n tn Thanks. I suffer for AFib, so I'm not sure any of these internal devices apply. I discuss with my EP when I have session with him on October 6. This meeting is a follow up on a failed electro-cardioversion that had me in sinus for only two weeks. He has talked with me by telephone since losing sinus and increased my Metoprolo and said we need to discuss a more powerful dug that requires hospitalization for the start-up two days.
Avatar m tn Four weeks later he received four shocks and went to the ER. The defibrillator was turned off with the pacer still working. Now the doc wants to replace the lead. This is causing a lot of anxiety and my husband would like to just keep the defibrillator turned off. Three months ago he had a spontaneous subdural bleed and recovered well from that surgery. Now has to deal with this anxiety of what to do about the pacemaker.
Avatar n tn hi there, so, it sounds like the pacemaker they implanted is not working for you? Why did they decide on pacemaker and not a defibrillator? I am just curious, I am learning about both... I'm not sure VT could go on for 19 minutes, though I'm not sure on that...? To be honest, I'm not sure on most stuff. I can relate, however to your situation - I am 34 and am also a mystery to doctors. For the past 10 years I've gotten a lot of shoulder shrugs from them.
Avatar f tn My Sister (64 years old) got her defibrillator implanted about a month ago. Since that time she has complained of being extremely tired and fatigued. She said after nearly 12 hours of sleep she wakes and is still groggy and often wants to go back to sleep. Is this a common side effect of the devvice?
Avatar m tn Due to various arrhythmic problems, my A/V node was ablated 12 years ago and therefore I am totally pacemaker dependent. . My atrail fibrillation/flutter has been somewhat controlled over the years by various medications , none of which have been successful for long terms. I am now scheduled for a cardioversion procedure. What precautions should be taken to protect my pacer and leads from damage due to the shock voltage? Should the doctor have a standby replacement pacer ready?
Avatar n tn An implanted defibrillator is often connected to a pacemaker. There should be no reason for you to avoid a tanning bed, which will have no effect whatsoever on the device.
Avatar n tn An EF of 30% indicates that only 30% of the blood is pumped out with each heart beat. Normal is 55 to 75%, heart failure is is dx'd when the EF is below 29% and that indicates the heart is (may) not pumping enough blood to meet the system's demand. When the EF is low the blood received from the lungs, and because it isn't pumped out by a weak heart, causes the blood to back up into the lungs and fluids leak out into the tissues causing SOB and a dry cough.
Avatar f tn ive recently had a duel chamber pacemaker installed, which im gr8full4 because no dr untill now has been willing to get it4me (i have sick sinus syndrome, mvp, 3 valves regurgitating, chf & right circumflex artery missing). however since the pacemaker ive been getting a-fib & flutters with my hr jumping to120 bpm & my other symptoms (fainting, etc) getting worse.
Avatar n tn Implantable loop recorder, pacemaker, and automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) are all cardiac devices placed under the skin in the chest but serve different purposes. Implantable loop recorder is only a diagnostic monitor. Pacemaker monitors and regulates heart rate. AICD monitors for abnormal rhythms and shocks to correct them.