Defibrillator or Pacemaker

Do you have a defibrillator?

Implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) continuously monitor the heart rate. When the rate is more than a programmable value, the ICD will assume the patient has a malignant ventricular arrhythmia and provide a shock through a lead placed in the right ventricle.

Do you have a pacemaker?

Implanted pacemakers are used for different purposes and for different underlying conditions.

A pacemaker delivers a current to the myocardial tissue, initiating a propagation wave of depolarization. This can be accomplished with single- or dual-chamber pacing systems, which are chosen according to the underlying condition.

What is the underlying condition for which you have a pacemaker or defibrillator?

As a rule, pacemakers are used to treat bradycardia and certain types of ventricular arrhythmias.

Underlying conditions include sinus node dysfunction, atrioventricular (AV) conduction abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, autonomic nervous system disorders, and atrial fibrillation.

ICDs are used for patients with nonsustained ventricular tachycardia and reduced left ventricular function due to coronary artery disease.

What types of medications are you taking?

Medications will indicate if the patient is treated for an underlying arrhythmia, to prevent the development of ischemic cardiac events (primary prevention), or to prevent additional ischemic events from occurring (secondary prevention).

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Related Pages

• Oral Health Care Considerations
  • Defibrillator or Pacemaker

References/Websites

• References
  • Baddour LM, et al. A summary of the update on cardiovascular implantable electronic device infections and their management: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. JADA 2011;142(2):159-165
• Websites
  • Pacemakers and Implantable Defibrillators. MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. March 30, 2021.