The Differences Between Pacemakers and Implantable Defibrillators

Pacemakers and implantable defibrillators are devices that prevent dangerous cardiac events.

These devices work similarly to meet patient's requirements, however they are used for varying reasons.

Pacemakers

Pacemakers are small devices that sit in either a patient’s chest or abdomen. These weigh around 20-50g.

A pacemaker consists of a pulse generator. This includes a battery, a small computer circuit and either one or more wires that attach to the heart. These wires are pacing leads.

Electrical impulses travel through the wires to the heart to set the pacing rate.

Almost all modern pacemakers work on demand. Assisting signals from the pacemaker regulate the heart's rhythm.

Reasons for pacemakers include:

Bradycardia (the heart beating too slow) Tachycardia (the heart beating too fast) Heart block (the heart beating irregularly as the signals are not transmitting properly) Cardiac arrest (a problem with the electrical signals in the heart that stops the heart from beating) Implantable Defibrillators

Implantable defibrillators (ICDs) again sit under the skin of either the chest or abdomen. These are for patients with either irregular heart rhythms or those who are at risk of cardiac arrest.

Whilst both devices are similar, ICDs deliver a bigger shock that will restart the heart in a regular rhythm. Some devices contain both an ICD and pacemaker.

ICDs are common preventative measures for people at significant risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

Life-Saving Devices

Both ICDs and pacemakers are life-saving devices. Cardiac arrest strikes at any time with no prior warning. Effective CPR and a shock from a defibrillator is the only definitive treatment for vicitms of cardiac arrest.

Defibrillators deliver shocks to hearts beating irregularly, allowing the victim’s natural pacemaker to take over and restart the heart in a regular rhythm. Ensure your location is heart safe by investing in a life-saving defibrillator.

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