Download Living with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

Living with an Implantable
Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
You have received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The ICD monitors your
heart beats and will treat any ventricular tachycardia (irregular heart beats) that you may
have. The ICD may also pace your heart if your heart rate is too slow. Although an ICD is
not a cure for your arrhythmias, it does act as a safety net against sudden cardiac death
and rapid heart rhythms. Many people with an ICD view the device as a symbol of security.
If you have been prescribed medications to treat your arrhythmias, you need to continue to
take them as ordered. There are very few activity restrictions from having the ICD. You may
lead a normal life with your ICD with a few very important activity restrictions.
What to do if you receive a shock from the ICD:
1. Stay calm and move to where you can lie down or sit comfortably.
2. Have someone stay with you throughout the event, if possible.
3. Have a friend or family member prepare to phone for an ambulance (call 911) if you
receive shocks and remain unconscious for more than a minute. If you do not have a
pulse and/or are not breathing, they should begin CPR and call 911.
4. If you do not feel well after the shock, go to the nearest emergency department. Do
not hesitate to call 911 if necessary.
5. Usually you will find that your pulse is within normal range and you feel okay after a
shock.
6. Call your doctor whenever you receive a shock. Be prepared to tell the doctor:

What you were doing right before the shock

What symptoms you noticed before the shock

How you felt right after the shock
7. If your parents are not with you when you receive a shock, have someone call them
immediately.
Anyone touching you while the ICD delivers a therapy shock might feel the muscles of your
chest and upper arms contract, and might see you jump as though startled. The shock will
not harm the person touching you.
It is a good idea to have an emergency plan. Write down your emergency contact phone
numbers in the spaces at the end of this sheet. Keep a copy of the phone numbers in your
wallet or purse and by your telephone.
Recommendations:

Keep all your regular appointments for follow-up visits. They are important to ensure
that your ICD continues to work properly.

Alert all medical and dental personnel taking care of you that you have an ICD.
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
Stay away from sources of magnetic and electromagnetic radiations such as:

Industrial equipment, including arc and resistance welders and industrial
furnaces

Large magnets such as those used in some stereo speakers, bingo wands,
magnetic badges, and magnetic therapy products

Repetitive motions with a handheld security screening wand

Antennas used to operate a CB, ham radio, or other radio transmitters,
including those used to control toys

Large generators and power plants

Large TV or radio transmitting towers and power lines, and large
radiofrequency transmitters such as RADAR

Never have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). You may have a CAT scan as an
alternative.

Do not have external defibrillation paddles placed directly over your device.

Walk normally through theft detector systems that are located at the entrance to
stores, libraries, etc. Do not stop in areas adjacent to the detection equipment.

Avoid maintenance, repair, or use of electrical or gas-powered appliances or tools.

You may use normal household appliances, such as computers, microwave ovens,
and TVs, if they are in good working order.

You may use cellular or digital phones if they are kept at least 6 inches away from
your ICD.

If you feel "funny" or not right around any electrical equipment, step away from the
area and see if symptoms improve.

Do not have body piercing or tattoos.
Activity Recommendations:
Follow any restrictions your doctor has given you because of your arrhythmia.
Participation in Sports:

DO NOT participate in sports that involve repeated and intentional hitting of the
body, such as football, hockey, boxing, contact karate, wrestling.

You may play basketball, soccer, baseball, and cycling. These are vigorous sports
that have occasional contact. Risk of damage to the ICD is low.

You may play tennis, track, cross-country, golf. These are vigorous sports that rarely
involve contact.

You may play occasional "pick-up" games of the contact sports, as the chance of
intentional contact with intent to injure is rare.

You should avoid sudden and rapid acceleration/deceleration activities, such as
bungee jumping or skydiving.
Living with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
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
Do not do repeated movements of the shoulder in a repetitive fashion, particularly
under a weighted load. ICD lead wires will eventually break if they are bent back and
forth repeatedly in the same direction. Exercises to avoid are push-ups, bench press,
and military press. These exercises can be done on occasion, but should not be done
daily or frequently. You may do bicep and tricep curls.
This information sheet describes the few limitations for patients with ICDs. If you do not
have other restrictions because of your arrhythmia or other medical problem, there are
relatively few things that can not be done. Should you have any specific questions, call the
electrophysiology nurses.
Emergency Numbers:

Ambulance/EMT:
911 or ________________________________________________

Children's Mercy Hospital:
(816) 234-3000 or toll free at 1-866-512-2168
Ask for the electrophysiologist on call.

Electrophysiology Nurses:
(816) 234-3252 or toll free at 1-866-512-2168, ext. 3252

Cardiology Office:
(816) 234-3255 or toll free 1-866-512-2168, ext. 3255
Answered during regular business hours (Monday – Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm).

My Parents:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Other Important Numbers:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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Copyright © 2000-2010 The Children's Mercy Hospital
Kansas City, Missouri
Overland Park, Kansas
This card is provided as a public education service. The information does not replace instructions
your physician gives you. If you have questions about your child's care, please call your physician.