pacemakers and ICDs

[10gingercats]

I am getting way ahead of myself here but best be prepared!A long time ago a propos of nothing much at all someone mentioned me having a pacemaker. It was quickly ruled out then for a variety of reasons. BUT now I have been feeling faint and with very fast afib. and had chats with cardio nurse and cardio. doc.via her and the suggestion of a pacemaker has very very quietly crept in again.I have started reading about ICDs as being smaller and preferable to pacemakersICDs the size of a tablet?) but I would be glad to know what people here think about it as you are my 'extended heart family'. Also do you choose as to which pacemaker or ICD AND would it be better to go private for this rather than go through NHS and if so where to get it done? All ideas welcome.

[Captain_Birdseye]

I'm no expert, but I think these are two different devices so it would be your condition and cause that would determine which one you would get...

An ICD is usually used if your ventricles rhythm is abnormal, or if you've suffered a cardiac arrest.

A pacemaker is for an abnormally slow or uneven heart rate.

Although I believe some ICDs can also act like a pacemaker.

[10gingercats in reply to Captain_Birdseye]

Thank you.

[Hidden]

Hi, As   Captain_Birdseye says it would be your condition and cause that determines which one you get.

Just to confuse matters further, I'll throw in a CRT device, which is a different device again.

Using myself as an example, I have a Pacemaker because I have a natural HR of about 32bpm due to Complete Heart Block, and underlying AF. An ICD wouldn't be appropriate for me.

However, I also have Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction (LVSD), so a CRT would be beneficial as it resynchronises the hearts lower chambers (Ventricles) to work in tandem. Apparently this is good for patients with HF as it can increase EF. There's an ongoing train of thought whether I have one fitted or not.

The wonders of the electronic age.

[10gingercats in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I have heart failure and a congenital heart condition,non functioning tricuspid valve but so far, I am 'up and running' at 85. and it has been like that for a few years, I function well, no breathlessness,exercise etc.BUT recently a lot of fast afib and slight faints. So.....mutterings of pacemakers et al have been mooted again so I do not want to be taken unawares/unprepared for this event should it be needed. i like to know know what is going on.

[Buddy00]

Hopefully the other replys have covered everything for you , but I thought I’d add that you don’t get a choice of what type of device you will have . That’s entirely down to the cardiologist team.

[honeybubs]

They decide what is best for you and I have insurance cover so went privately but still had it done at the main NHS hospital. I think the only difference is I chose who did it with it being private. The insurance paid out £42,000 for the procedure and that was for a CRT-D device. Good luck. X

[Tigger_2 in reply to honeybubs]

Makes National Insurance look cheap.

However, with costs of £42,000, it's little wonder the NHS is struggling.

I do moan a lot about waiting etc., but am eternally grateful when I see those sums.

[Pouchielou1972]

I have an ICD due to an irregular heart rhythm. Unfortunately the ICD is bigger than the pacemaker as it is doing so much more.

[Tigger_2 in reply to Pouchielou1972]

I watched a video of some chap in the States describing his ICD change.

Then he fished it out from under the table. Yes, almost the size of a Wagon Wheel for those old enough.

The medics asked him if he would like to keep it.

[Pouchielou1972 in reply to Tigger_2]

It really is quite big when you see it next time a pacemaker which my cardiologist showed me. Even feeling the shape of it under my skin feels big, but I try and think about how it’s helping me instead.

[Deejay62]

I have a CRT-D fitted because of low EF ad arrhythmias.

It as 3 leeds and a defibrillator. Heedio explained its function.

I didn’t decide on the device my cardiologist did and explained it’s function, and on the day I was shown what it looked like. All the best

[Thanksnhs]

Hi I had an icd fitted due to severe heart failure. The procedure was done by the NHS in Scotland. I got it done in 2018. I found it quite big and noticeable but I am small and thin, maybe they are smaller now. I didn't need a pacemaker. Char

[Winter4519]

I agree with the statement by Captain Birdseye. A ll depends on your condition. The consultant will decide. Haven it done private or NHS makes no difference on timing as you still need to be monitored