The treatments

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator is a small device that is put into the upper chest below the left shoulder. Leads from the device go into the heart to:

  • control the rate of the heartbeat

  • continually sense for an irregular heartbeat

  • deliver a small electric shock to return the heartbeat to its normal rhythm (defibrillate) if necessary.

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy brings the pumping action of the heart chambers back in time with each other, to make the heart more efficient. A pacing device is put into the chest and attached to the heart chambers using three tiny leads. The device can also have a defibrillator added to it.

NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) may be a good place to find out more.

  • Information Standard