ICD implant at 38

[PSP80]

My husband has been advised to have an ICD implanted at 38, due to atrial fibrillation and a family history of sudden cardiac death. He is quite undecided and anxious especially after hearing about the risks of lead replacement. Has anybody else had an ICD implanted so young and also anyone have any experience of lead replacement?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! A former colleague had one for the same reasons in 2012. I haven't heard from him for a couple of years but back then he had had no issues with it. To my knowledge he is OK as he set up his own business alongside a full time job and the website for it seems active.

[PSP80 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks. How old was your colleague?

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to PSP80]

Apologies i meant to include that. He was 30 at the time. Fabrice Muamba's cardiac arrest during the FA cup game convinced him it was the right thing to do!

[Mygirls12]

I’ve had one fitted 2 months ago at 33 years old. Mine are for different reasons and to be honest i have found it takes a lot to get used to but I think just time will help with this. I’ve spoken to a few people who have had them and no one has reported any problems and everyone keeps reminding me it’s there to save your life! I hope your husband is ok and all goes well.

[sturon]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

My partner had an ICD implant 14 months ago. A little different to your husband as he has an S-ICD and it was implanted following two cardiac arrests. It took a few months to get used to it but life has fully returned to 'normal' now. We think of this as his very own cardiologist in his chest. He downloads information via the internet each week and this means the hospital are keeping an eye on him. He had his yearly check up last week and again they can tell how his heart is doing and if the device has delivered any treatment. Your hubby is very young to take this step but if the cardiologist is recommending this then he needs to think what are the alternatives. A family history of sudden cardiac death is one thing an ICD can help prevent. It's a big step and permanent I hope he makes the right choice.

Happy to give you any other information if it helps.

PS. Tell your hubby one advantage is you get the 'Royal' treatment at airport security.

[Hidden]

Hi I’m sorry to hear about your husband! I just wanted to say that I have been advised to have an ICD from the age of 38 because of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (inherited!) I turned it down and went for a loop recorder (reveal device!) for 4.5 years instead because of the risks with lead replacement at such a young age. I’m now 44 and this week just had my ICD fitted, so far so good, no problems and the under muscle placement looks great (although I haven’t removed my dressing yet!) Each circumstance is different and your husbands cardiologist knows your husbands risks but all I can say is that things have moved on with the ICD devices and leads in the 5/6 years that I put off having it done and things will continue to keep moving forward in this area, so the risks with leads will become less.

It’s too early for me to let you know if the device has been an absolute godsend for me but the staff at the Brompton call it a guardian angel and there are plenty of threads on here saying how glad people are that they had ICD a fitted. In the end nobody can make this decision for your husband and it is a hard decision that’s for sure (especially at such a young age!) but don’t let the op. Put you both off as it’s a quick recovery and remember there are plenty of babies and children that have these devices and are living perfectly normal long healthy lives because of them. Good luck with your decision and husbands health!

X Emma

[Paul_heywood]

Hi

I had mine fitted nearly 2 years ago at 36 for dilated cardiomyopathy.

I’m still struggling with the mental side of the diagnosis - especially after I have had shocks.

But as each day passes I feel a little better.

Keep strong