Does it hurt when a defibrillator goes off?

What does it feel like when your defibrillator goes off

Most patients who have received shocks from their ICDs describe them as startling, jolting and unsettling, but not painful. It's easy to understand why. The ICD delivers a shock to prevent a dangerously fast heart rhythm.

Can a defibrillator cause pain

While it's a necessary and effective preventive therapy, those who've experienced a defibrillator shock say it's painful, and some studies suggest that the shock can damage heart muscle.

What happens when your defibrillator goes off

If it detects a life-threatening rapid heart rhythm, it tries to slow the rhythm to get it back to normal. If the dangerous rhythm does not stop, the ICD sends an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. The device then goes back to its watchful mode.

At what heart rate will a defibrillator go off

Under conventional programming, an ICD may be activated if the heart beats 170 to 199 beats per minute for 2.5 seconds or at least 200 beats per minute for 1 second. If the heart rate does not slow within 5 to 10 seconds, a shock may be delivered.

How long do you stay in the hospital after a defibrillator

After the Procedure Most people who have an ICD implanted are able to go home from the hospital in 1 day. Most quickly return to their normal activity level. Full recovery takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Ask your provider how much you can use the arm on the side of your body where the ICD was placed.