What is a permanent cardiac pacemaker?

A permanent pacemaker is a small device that is placed inside the chest to help manage slow or irregular heartbeats. It helps normalize electrical signals to keep the heart beat within normal range.

What does an ICD do?

ICD helps to detect very fast heart rhythms. It required, it sends a strong shock to reset the heart to prevent a cardiac arrest. ICD or Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator is a sophisticated cardiac device.

How are their functions different?

• A Pacemaker helps to manage slow heartbeat.
• ICD helps to manage very fast and erratic heartbeat. It delivers a shock to restore normal heart rhythm.

Can an ICD act like a pacemaker?

Most of the modern ICDs can deliver some function of the pacemaker by helping to manage slow heart rhythm and also controls very fast heart rate.

Who needs a pacemaker?

Patients with bradycardia or slow heart rate, heart block or irregular cardiac rhythms that may also cause fatigue, dizziness and even fainting may require pacemaker as per doctor’s advice.

Who needs an ICD?

People with high risk of sudden heart attack or cardiac arrest need ICD. People who had heart attack/s in past, chances of heart failure or inherited cardiac conditions needs ICD.

Do they feel different when working?

• Pacemakers silently maintain the heart rate or cardiac rhythm. The changes in pulses are mostly not felt by the person.
• ICD send the strong shock to the heart in case of any changes that may cause sudden cardiac problem. The person can notice some changes.

How are they implanted?

Both of these devices are implanted under the skin near the collarbone. It is connected to heart through leads or wires. It will be performed under general or local anaesthesia depending on the various conditions.

What about battery life?

• Pacemakers typically last 5 to 15 years. It is best to get it checked at times.
• ICDs last around 5 to 7 years. Both require minor surgery to replace the battery.

Are there risks?

The risks are usual like any procedure and implant, it includes infections, displacement of the lead, battery in this case, device functioning issues. But these are not common, the devices are sophisticated and most people live a regular active life post implanting cardiac pacemaker or ICD.

How do doctors decide which one is needed?

It depends on the condition of the heart and cardiac rhythm:

• In case of slow heart beat a pacemaker is suggested in most cases.
• An ICD is suggested if the heart rhythm is too fast and dangerous. Sometimes, a combination device (CRT-D) is used for patients who need both pacing and defibrillation.