Pacemaker or ICD: Which Do I Need?

Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are both devices that are used to treat heart arrhythmias, but there are important differences between the two devices.

Pacemakers are used to control the heart rate by sending electrical signals to the heart when it is beating too slowly. Pacemakers can be either single-chamber or dual-chamber. Single-chamber pacemakers control only the lower chamber of the heart (the ventricle), while dual-chamber pacemakers control both the upper and lower chambers of the heart (the atrium and the ventricle).

ICDs are used to stop life-threatening arrhythmias by delivering a high-energy electrical shock to the heart. ICDs can also function as pacemakers, but they are typically used only when pacemakers are not effective in controlling the heart rhythm.

The type of device that is best for you depends on your specific heart condition. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best device for your needs.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between pacemakers and ICDs:

| Feature | Pacemaker | ICD |

|---|---|---|

| Function | Controls the heart rate | Stops life-threatening arrhythmias |

| Type of device | Single-chamber or dual-chamber | ICDs can also function as pacemakers |

| When used | Used when pacemakers are not effective in controlling the heart rhythm | Used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias |

If you are diagnosed with an arrhythmia, your doctor will discuss the different treatment options with you and recommend the best device for your needs.