CARDIOLOGIST HYDERABAD

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AICD Implantation doctor in Hyderabad-india

AICD Pacemaker Implantation in Hyderabad

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AICD medical abbreviation

AICD stands for Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

Introduction

It’s pretty common knowledge that the heart is one of the essential parts of your body, and keeping it healthy and working properly should be your priority. One way to do this is by having an Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD) implanted in your chest since it’s been proven to lower your risk of sudden cardiac death by 50%. In this article, we’ll discuss why you might need an AICD and how it protects your life if something goes wrong with your heart while you’re still alive.

A heart condition called ventricular tachycardia can cause sudden cardiac arrest and death, particularly in young people. If you have this problem or are at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest because of something else, you may need an AICD. An AICD is similar to a pacemaker in design, but they work differently and have different indications. They work differently and have different indications. AICD helps your heart regularly beat after a life-threatening arrhythmia.

ECG - ventricular tachycardia AICD device
ECG suggests life-threatening ventricular tachycardia. Inset AICD device

AICD are tiny electrical devices placed under the skin and connected directly to the heart muscle via wires.

What is an AICD?

The Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD) is a small electronic device that can help save your life in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. It’s a gift of modern medicine that has saved countless lives worldwide and can even protect against future heart disease. Here are some facts everyone should be aware of about AICDs and whether or not you need one.

AICD Types

  • Traditional ICD
    • single chamber
    • dual chamber
  • Subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD)

Who Needs an AICD?

The implantation of an AICD has historically been reserved for patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Such patients have typically experienced repeated ventricular fibrillation episodes and either structurally-impaired hearts or undiagnosed cardiomyopathies. Such conditions increase a patient’s risk of experiencing SCD.

  1. People whose heart stops all of a sudden
  2. People who have been diagnosed with a fast heartbeat (Ventricular Tachycardia) or who are at risk for the above rhythm problems because of:

a. Not enough or not enough blood getting to the heart

b. Few cases of severe heart attack

c. Cardiomyopathy or related conditions like congestive heart failure 

d. Congenital heart diseases

e. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

f. Few myocarditis cases

 

How Does an AICD Work?

An AICD is a small battery-powered device that’s placed under your skin on your chest. It monitors your heart’s electrical activity and delivers an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm if it detects an abnormal heartbeat or arrhythmia. It does so with great accuracy and safety. 

 

How do I manage an implanted defibrillator?

Living with an AICD should provide you the peace of mind knowing you can receive care for a life-threatening condition whenever and wherever you need it. Since an ICD is a surgically implanted device, it’s essential to know how to manage your device daily:

  1. You may faint in the event of a life-threatening heart rhythm before the AICD corrects the rhythm. If you faint while driving or swimming alone, you could sustain serious harm. Consider skipping the activity or bringing along a friend or family member if you are likely to sustain injuries if you faint.
  2. You will require routine follow-up appointments with your physician so that the AICD may be monitored. Monitoring reveals whether the device is sensing the heartbeat accurately, how many shocks have been administered, and how much battery life remains.
  3. Certain electrical equipment may cause interference with the ICD. Your physician will inform you of what to watch out for.
  4. You should carry a card indicating you have an AICD in an emergency. Additionally, you should carry a complete list of drugs and dosages. Also included should be a list of emergency contacts and their phone numbers.
  5. It is essential to inform all medical providers, including your dentist, that you have an AICD.
  6. There is a chance that the gadget will give a shock if you have a rapid heartbeat. Find a location to sit or lie down and have someone accompany you for the duration of the event. If you receive multiple shocks or remain unconscious for more than a few seconds, have your relatives and friends call an ambulance.

End-of-Life Planning for my ICD or CRT device

AICD and CRT systems require replacement parts. These systems often last over ten years but eventually need updating. When you get to that point in your life, receiving a new ICD or CRT battery may be a potential solution. Instead of putting yourself at risk for dangerous complications, ensure you’re ready with an end-of-life plan now!

 

In the following instances, you should contact your doctor:

  1. Within twenty-four hours of being shocked
  2. If your symptoms of rapid heartbeat linger more than 2 minutes, seek medical attention.
  3. If you receive a shock and feel ill afterward, you should seek medical attention.
  4. Before undergoing medical or dental treatments

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