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Defibrillator
When medications can’t control an irregular heartbeat, or if you suffer from conditions such as heart failure, you may be a candidate for treatment with a defibrillator. Heartwise Cardiology in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, also offers routine checkups to care for your device and ensure your treatment is working. David Harnick, MD, and Raymonda Rastegar, MD, use advanced diagnostic technologies to determine if a defibrillator can help ease your symptoms. They also offer convenient remote defibrillator monitoring, making follow-up with your cardiac device safe and seamless long-term. To learn more about the benefits of a defibrillator, call the office today or book an appointment online.
Defibrillator Q & A
What is a defibrillator?
A defibrillator is a device that restores your normal heartbeat by sending an electric pulse or shock into the heart. The portable device can correct an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and also restart a heart that suddenly stops beating.
Heartwise Cardiology also offers other types of defibrillator devices, including wearable cardioverter defibrillators (WCD) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) that help regulate your heartbeat in the long term.
ICDs require surgery to place the device inside your body, and WCDs use sensors that attach to your skin.
Why would I need a defibrillator?
Anyone who is experiencing arrhythmias or is at risk for a heart attack may benefit from a defibrillator.
The providers at Heartwise Cardiology may recommend a wearable or implantable defibrillator if medications and other treatments aren’t enough to manage an arrhythmia. They may also recommend treatment with a defibrillator if you:
- Have an abnormally slow heart rate
- Are in recovery from a heart attack
- Have congenital heart disease
- Have muscular dystrophy or other neuromuscular disorder
- Are waiting for a heart transplant
If you’re a candidate for a defibrillator, the heart specialists can discuss which type would be a good fit for you. They also can prepare you for surgery if you plan to receive an implantable defibrillator.
What can I expect while using a defibrillator?
If you need a wearable or implantable defibrillator, it can take some time to get used to it. The Heartwise Cardiology providers adjust the device to your needs. They can set the defibrillator to deliver different strengths of energy into your heart muscle to regulate your heart’s rhythm.
Low-energy shocks might feel like a fluttering in your chest, or you may not notice any symptoms at all. If you need high-energy shocks to treat your condition, you may feel some discomfort or pain when the device is in operation.
Typically, the symptoms of the shock go away quickly. You should also notice relief of arrhythmia symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue.
You can expect to schedule routine checkups at Heartwise Cardiology, so the physicians can monitor how well treatment is working and ensure your defibrillator is functioning optimally.
To learn more about the benefits of a defibrillator, call Heartwise Cardiology today to schedule a consultation, or book an appointment online.