After defibrillator implant what happens if heart speeds up quickly?

When the heart speeds up quickly after a defibrillator implant, it may indicate a condition known as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Defibrillators are designed to detect life-threatening heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and deliver an electric shock to restore a regular heart rhythm. However, they do not always detect and treat all types of arrhythmias, including SVT.

If the defibrillator detects SVT, it will typically attempt to terminate the arrhythmia using a low-energy shock called anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP). ATP is a series of rapid electrical pulses that can help restore the heart's normal rhythm. However, if ATP is unsuccessful or if the SVT is particularly fast, the defibrillator may deliver a higher-energy shock to terminate the arrhythmia.

It's important to note that defibrillators are not designed to treat all heart rhythm disorders. If you experience a rapid heart rate or other symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath after your defibrillator implant, it's essential to seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and determine the appropriate treatment plan.