Defibrillator Restrictions

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) can save your life if you develop a dangerous heart arrhythmia, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Once implanted under the skin of your chest, the ICD detects abnormal rhythms and can deliver a restorative pulse of electricity directly to your heart, precisely when you need it. However, to keep yourself safe and your ICD working properly, you will need to observe some important restrictions.

Driving

• Avoid driving until your doctor approves.

  If you receive an ICD because you had a cardiac arrest or ventricular arrhythmia, your doctor will most likely tell you to stop driving for six months after implantation; the abnormal rhythm could cause you to faint before the ICD responds, according to Columbia University doctors, and the ICD discharge itself could also cause the same reaction.

  If you do not faint within six to 12 months after having the ICD implanted, and you do not need a shock from your ICD, you may be allowed to resume driving. However, be sure to check the laws in your state. Many states forbid driving by anyone who has lost consciousness because of an abnormal heart rhythm.

  Also, avoid other activities in which you could be seriously injured if you fainted. Examples might include scuba diving and piloting a plane.

Hazardous Movements

• Avoid sports that could damage the ICD or its wires.

  For the first few weeks after surgery, avoid swinging your arms over your head or lifting more than 5 pounds.

  After you have recovered from surgery, avoid activities that could be hazardous to the ICD or the wires that connect it to your heart. Although you can take part in most sports, you will most likely need to permanently avoid rough contact sports and highly strenuous exercising.

Energy Sources

• Avoid disruptive energy sources.

  To avoid disrupting your ICD, reduce or prevent exposure to energy sources. Fortunately, many common energy sources pose no problems to those with ICDs. These include microwave ovens, televisions, remote controls, radios, digital music players, toasters, electric shavers, electric blankets and electric drills.

  Although it is safe to talk on a cell phone, according to the Mayo Clinic, you should not hold or store it within 6 inches of your ICD unless the phone is turned off.

  Avoid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnet therapy or being around large magnets. You also cannot have radiation therapy in the area of your ICD.

  When going through security screenings, show security staff the card that says you have an ICD. Mayo Clinic experts say to ask security not to hold a handheld scanner near the ICD for more than 30 seconds.

  Try to avoid arc welding. If this is not possible, make sure you keep at least 2 feet between your ICD and welding equipment. The Mayo Clinic also warns against close proximity to high-voltage transformers and generators.