Questions to Ask Your Doctor: Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators are implanted to restore normal heart rhythm and prevent sudden cardiac death. Ask your health care team any questions you may have about the device and living with one.

View an animation of an ICD.

Here are some common questions that may help you create your own list.

Before implantation:

• What are the benefits versus the limitations of the ICD?
  
  
• What is the general prognosis, and how might my illness progress with an ICD?
  
  
• How long does the ICD battery last? Will I ever need the ICD replaced?
  
  
• Does the ICD protect me from a heart attack?
  
  
• Does the ICD affect my original condition?
  
  
• What are some ways that daily life may change?
  
  
• Can my family member or I still drive, travel, have sex, work out or continue other activities we enjoy?
  
  
• How long will my family member or I not be able to do those things?
  
  
• Does gender have any bearing on how the ICD works?
  
  
• Does age have any bearing on how the ICD works?
  
  
• Does one kind of therapy offer a better chance for survival or a better quality of life?
  
  
• Can you explain the ICD my child is receiving in understandable terms?
  
  
• What should I know about an ICD regarding end-stage heart failure or death?

After implantation, early recovery, adjustment

• How do I take care of the wound after implantation?
  
  
• How do I manage pain, symptoms and medications at home?
  
  
• How soon can I return to physical activity, school, work, travel and sexual activities?
  
  
• Are there any support groups or places online where my family member or I can get support or information?
  
  
• What do shocks mean when they occur?
  
  
• What should my family member or I expect when shocked?
  
  
• Can anything be done to minimize the number of non-critical shocks?

It’s natural to have many questions, concerns and emotions about a new ICD. Be direct, open and honest with your health care team and ask the same from them. 

View and print our Answers by Heart sheet: What is an ICD? (PDF)