AICD Discharge (Shock)

What to do if my Automatic Implantable Cardioverter/Defibrillator (AICD) shocks me

 An AICD discharge (shock) usually only occurs when a life threatening arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) has been detected. It is very rare for an AICD to deliver a shock in error.

• After a shock, you may feel dizzy, lightheaded and disoriented for a short time. So, the best thing to do is find a safe spot where you can sit and catch your breath. After a few moments, your heart should go back to its normal rhythm.
• The shock can be painful and you may feel soreness in your muscles and chest. You may also feel “shaken up” emotionally from the unexpected event.
• You should call your healthcare provider and let him or her know that you received a shock. He or she may want you to come into the office to be examined. You may also be advised to call 911 or go to the nearest hospital’s emergency room immediately.
• If your AICD is discharging often, your doctor can determine the cause by checking the recordings of your heart rhythm just before the discharge occurred.
• Your healthcare provider can adjust the AICD settings, assess any changes in your heart condition, and/or modify your anti-arrhythmia medicines to reduce the frequency of discharge.

Home care

The following guidelines will help you care for yourself at home:

• Tell your healthcare provider if you have an AICD shock. He or she will advise you if you need to be examined or go to the hospital.
• Rest today and resume your usual activities tomorrow.
• Do not push or pull on the device. This may cause the wires to become twisted.
• Do not operate cell phones close to the generator.
• Because of the unexpected nature of arrhythmias and the AICD discharge, driving can be dangerous. It is often recommended that you have a 6-month shock-free period before driving again.
• Talk with your healthcare provider about whether or not is safe for you to drive. You will not be eligible for a commercial driver's license if you have an AICD because of the high risk for losing consciousness with the life-threatening heart rhythms that this device is designed to treat.

Follow-up care

• Follow up with your healthcare provider as instructed.
• It is important for your healthcare provider to check your device and the battery to make sure they are working properly after the device has fired.
• The AICD’s battery life is determined by how much your heart uses the device. The more times you receive a shock from the device, the shorter time the battery will last.
• You should ask your provider how often your device should be checked, but generally, you should have the battery checked at least every 6 months.
• Once the battery gets low enough, it goes into an energy-saving mode and the generator will have to be changed. In general, the generator has to be changed every 5 to 7 years.