Heart & vascular services Test and Procedures for diagnosing cardiac disorders include: Pacemakers and implantable defibrillators are small battery-operated devices with leads that can be implanted into the chest to correct heart rhythm problems such as a heartbeat that is too fast, too slow or irregular. A pacemaker has an electrode that detects when a heart is beating too slowly and sends an electrical impulse to the heart to return it to a normal rhythm. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator or ICD is used to detect rapid heart beat and delivers electrical shocks to restore normal rhythm. Studies show that ICDs can prevent cardiac arrest in patients who are at risk for life-threatening ventricular fibrillation. Both pacemakers and defibrillators require that patients receive regular checkups to make sure the devices are functioning properly and to make adjustments if needed. These devices help patients return to a normal lifestyle and generally aren’t noticed by patients going about their daily lives.
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