Implantable defibrillator

I recently was diagnosed with CHF, even tho I have no real symptoms. My ejection fraction is low.

My cardiologist has been pushing an implantable defibrillator. I have had no evidence of any arrythmias, and in fact have been wearing a monitor/defibrillator for the last month with no recorded issues.

Just wondering if any one on here has any positive or negative experience with them.

Thanks !

Goodlife

Kitt,

First echo/nuclear stress test /cath put it at 25-30. Second echo 4 months later put it at 35. Will have a MUGA next week sometime for a third number.

Apparently, EF between 25 and 35 is particularly susceptible to fatal arrythmias. Can't really find a lot of data concerning other factors, such as length of time with CHF, heart size, severity of symptoms, etc.

Goodlife

Hi....I have one.  Have had heart problems for the past 4 years.  4 years ago had 2 bypasses and mitral valve repair.  June of this year I went into Vtach with heart rate at 228 bpm.  They had to put me out and shock me back in the ER.  Spent a week in the hospital and left with a shiney new ICD in my chest.  It is scarey and always worried about being "shocked".  So far so good 6 months in.  I am 51 years old and even though I hate it I love its security at the same time.  Mine paces so if my heart goes out of rhythem it will try to pace 6 or 7 time before shocking.