Living Well With Your ICD

Making a decision about whether or not to have an ICD is step one. Getting used to life with an ICD can take some time. Many people have questions about what the ICD will feel like. Because everyone is different, it’s often hard to know until you have your ICD placed.

It’s important to get to know your ICD. For example, how it works, as well as how it might affect your day-to-day activities. Many people who have ICDs share that while they would still get one, they do wish they had asked more questions about how it might affect their lifestyle.

Ask questions about your specific device and any limits you might have.

Living With an ICD: 10 Tips

These tips may help:

1. Get to know your ICD. Take time to learn about your ICD so that you know what to expect and how to take care of it. Doing so can also help you feel more in control. For example:
   • Certain household appliances, communications devices, industrial equipment, and security screening devices give off energy (electromagnetic fields). These may keep your ICD from working as it should. Find out from your doctor or the company that made your ICD what things you need to be careful around or avoid.
   • Remember, though, everyone is different.


2. Tell your other health care providers about your ICD. It’s important that everyone on your health care team knows that you have an ICD. This will help assure any tests or procedures are done safely and will not affect your device.
   
   
3. Know what to do if you get shocked. Most people never receive a shock. But it is important to talk with your care team so you agree on a plan for what to do if you do get a shock from your device.
   
   

   Your ICD may make noises. These noises could signal a low battery or other problem that your doctor needs to check. Don’t be alarmed. Talk with your doctor about what these sounds might mean ahead of time in case they happen.

4. You may need to stay a distance away from certain electronic devices, appliances or equipment. These can give off electromagnetic energy. In some cases, this may affect how the ICD works. For this reason, you may need to stay at least 6 inches away from some things like cellphones.
   
   

   Some of the newer ICD models may be safe if you need an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging test and near appliances that used to be of concern, including microwaves. Ask your health care team about what safety measures you need to take with your specific ICD.  

   Most people with ICDs can travel freely. Talk with airport security and your doctor so you know what to do when going through airport security. 

   It’s always best to check with your doctor or the maker of your device to get a list of what is safe and what might not be based on your specific ICD. Newer devices may have fewer precautions.

   In general:

   It is OK to use, but best to keep at least 6 inches between your ICD and:	You should be careful (with some exceptions) when it comes to:	It may not be OK to use:
   Cellphones or tablets Wearable fitness trackers, smartwatches Microwaves Wireless headphones Items like electronic toothbrushes and curling irons are fine to use.	Security screening and metal detectors at sporting events, concerts, airports, or courthouses or anti-theft systems in libraries or shops. Be ready to show your ICD identification card. Explain that the hand-held metal-detecting wand should not be held over your ICD. Having an MRI – talk with your care team before imaging tests and procedures; mammograms are generally OK. Electric pet fences	Chainsaws Welding equipment



5. Keep your ICD identification card with you. This is especially important when you travel and for follow-up visits so that your health care team know how to check your device, if needed.
   
   
6. Make sure to stay active – it’s good for your heart and overall health. You should be able to do many of the same activities you did before having your ICD implanted, and that includes having sex. It may take a few months after having your ICD placed to let it heal completely before you can restart certain activities.
   
   Talk with your health care team about activities you enjoy doing so that you can decide together what is safest.
   
   
7. Ask about any driving restrictions related to your ICD. There may also be restrictions after you receive a shock. That’s because dangerous heart rhythms may cause you to faint. Many doctors recommend that a patient not drive for a certain number of months after getting a shock from their ICD. This may vary state by state. Some states and countries have stricter laws. Talk to your doctor about the driving laws in your area. People with ICDs cannot drive commercial vehicles.
   
   
8. Know that it may take some time to adjust to having a device in your body. Although having an ICD may give people peace of mind, many say it can take time to adjust to having a device in their body. For example, it may take a few months to feel comfortable or sleep comfortably.
   
   Some people say it has helped to develop a relationship with their ICD. “I named my device, which helped me adjust to it and make it feel less serious.” 
9. Be mindful of your mental health, talk about your feelings and find support. It’s OK to feel down or worried sometimes. But it’s important to talk about your feelings.
   
   

   Talking with other people who have an ICD can help with some of the anxieties and fears that can come with having one. Some common worries that patients have mentioned include:

      -  Worries about being shocked – for some, the first shock startled them, even though they also felt reassured that the device did its job – almost like an insurance policy or safety net. For others, being shocked left them feeling anxious and stressed about the next time it might happen. This is especially true for those who received unneeded shocks. Many others never get shocked, leaving then wondering if they needed an ICD.

      -  Body image concerns if the device is visible under the skin.

      -  It can be scary to think about sudden cardiac death or dying early and having to take steps to prevent it.

   It’s important to share any concerns with your care team. There may be support groups and counseling available. Many people have said that these can provide comfort and help them feel more empowered in their journey.

10. Keep up with your follow-up visits. Getting an ICD is a first step. Your health care team is there to support you and will likely want to see you regularly to:
    • Make sure your device is working as it should
    • Review data collected by your ICD that shows your heart’s activity
    • Talk about other ways to manage your heart condition and protect your heart
    
    Think about and write down questions you may have before each visit.