Other people feel a fluttering in their chest. They usually say that it doesn't feel uncomfortable or painful. Cardioversion is stronger than a pacing pulse. It feels like being thumped in the chest. The defibrillator shock is the strongest treatment.
Many people say it feels like being kicked in the chest.
It usually comes suddenly and lasts only a second. Some people are upset for a short time after a defibrillator shock, but other people feel reassured that the ICD is treating their heart rhythm problem. Pacing a slow heart rate uses very little energy. You may not feel this treatment at all. Before the ICD is implanted, your doctor will look at your size and shape, note any previous chest surgeries you may have had and the activities that you like to do.