Defibrillator Implant

Do you or your loved one have a cardiac condition that has caused the doctor to recommend a defibrillator implant? Do you know what this is or why exactly it is needed? If not, you are not alone. Most people don’t know what this device is and are not sure whether they want it implanted into their chest. And for good reason; it sounds kind of scary to think of being shocked back to life. But this type of device can save your life. First, you should understand exactly how defibrillators work and then think about getting the defibrillator implant for you or your family member.

How a Defibrillator Implant Works

The heart is a very important part of our body, perhaps the most important. It is how our bodies receive everything it needs, including oxygen, nutrients, food, etc. Without our heart, we wouldn’t be able to live longer than a couple minutes. Unfortunately, disease of this organ is a leading cause of death in the World. One of the precursors to a cardiac event is something called fibrillation, which is where the heart is sputtering, kind of like a car running out of gas. When this happens, it is doubtful that the heart will come back to life without the help of someone doing CPR or using a defibrillator. For those that are prone to cardiac problems, a doctor may recommend getting a defibrillator implant.

A defibrillator implant is put into a patient’s chest area and works by monitoring the heart to make sure that it is functioning properly. It is different from a pacemaker, in that the pacemaker is there to constantly control the beating of the heart. The defibrillator implant only steps in when there is a problem. That is the biggest difference between the two. This can be a scary thought for some, as the idea of a piece of equipment that could shock you at any minute is a bit frightening. But rest assured, these devices are designed to only “shock” your heart back to working if absolutely necessary. Surely, if the time comes when the heart stops functioning, a defibrillator implant could be a life saver.

Getting a Defibrillator Implant

If you are eligible for a defibrillator implant, you should consult with your doctor to determine if this is the best course of action for you. You should ask your doctor questions and not let him or her tell you what to do. They should be willing to talk you through the process of receiving a defibrillator implant. When you have decided you want to move forward, consult with your insurance company as well to ensure the procedure will be covered for payment. You don’t want to plan a procedure and be prepared for it mentally, only to find out you are not eligible for financial reasons. In the end, you need to figure out what action you should take for you and your family. Receiving a defibrillator implant is a great choice for a lot of people, but you have to figure out if it is right for you!

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