The device allows physicians to perform only one operation on patients who need both defibrillators and pacemakers. Approximately 15 to 20 percent of patients with defibrillators also require pacing therapy for their slow heartbeats. Any abnormality in the heart's natural rhythm is called an arrhythmia.
Arrhythmias are the main cause of sudden cardiac death.
Sudden death is not a heart attack. SCD occurs when the heart has an ample blood supply but the heart can not pump effectively due to disturbances in the electrical conduction system. Death will result, unless immediate action is taken. A defibrillator is used to provide an electrical shock to reestablish normal contraction rhythms in the malfunctioning heart. It also has the capability of providing therapy for slow arrhythmias that require pacing.