Your doctor may recommend an ICD if you are thought to be in danger of sudden cardiac death or if you have had cardiac arrest. The ICD offers protection against sudden cardiac death. The device monitors your heart rate. If the rate is dangerously fast, the ICD delivers a shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm. The ICD is implanted in an operation.
More surgery is needed about every three years to replace the generator.
Some patients with arrhythmia have their irregular heartbeat treated with a single medication e.g. Amiodarone or a combination of a device and medication. Medication is usually taken daily. Some possible side effects include skin discoloration and shortness of breath. In rare cases, lung-related conditions have resulted. Aspects of Living with Arrhythmias Having an arrhythmia may affect many different aspects of a person's life.