PM -vs- PM/ICD combination

I got my PM in May. My rate was 36 BPM. BUT, my heart also sometimes beats really fast for a while. I know that PM's are for slow heart rates, and ICD's are for rapid heart rate episodes. I also know that there are now combination PM/ICD's for both conditions.( Those are much more expensive.) I also read on a website that if your heart rate soars, that a PM alone won't help, and you could die. I cannot find that site. I want to address this with my Dr., but I want the information in my hand to show when I do so. Does anyone know where this information is located?

1 Comments

Hey Star

by enzobake - 2007-10-02 01:10:37

In order to get an ICD you must meet at least one of a specific set of criteria, talk to your doctor about the indications for an ICD, He/She should have these readily available.
Also, lots of folks are under the misconception that you can get an ICD but not a pacemaker. The "combination" that you mentioned is actually the standard. All modern ICDs also have at least basic pacing abilities, and in a lot of devices the pacing function in the ICD rivals the pacing ability in a modern pacemaker.
You may not need the pacemaker function that exists in an ICD, but it is there.
I really would advise you just speak with your DR about the indications, I think you will find all the answers you are looking for if you address this at your next visit.

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