Cheating death: The defibrillator

Introduction
When the heart is significantly damaged for any reason, there is an increased risk that it can become irritable and go into a fast abnormal rhythm (ventricular tachycardia) which may make the heart so inefficient that it can no longer effectively function as a pump. This may happen out of the blue with no real warning even if the patient has been well. If left unchecked for even a few minutes, this will degrade into a rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation which causes cardiac arrest and sudden death. In this setting, the only thing that may help is immediate cardiac resuscitation with the aim of delivering an electrical shock to the heart as soon as possible. All research indicates that the only intervention that has any chance of reviving the patient is the electrical shock treatment which is usually delivered by a defibrillator machine. A defibrillator machine however may sometimes not be easily accessible.
Given the importance of early defibrillation in this setting, scientists started working on designing an internal defibrillator which could be inserted in a vulnerable patient and which could automatically detect the onset of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation and automatically deliver a shock to the patient thereby saving the patient’s life.
In 1980, the first (rather bulky) implantable internal defibrillator was developed and by 1985, it had received FDA approval. Since then, rapid improvements in design and technology have meant that defibrillators have become much smaller in size and more effective not only in shocking the heart out of ventricular fibrillation but also detecting ventricular tachycardia and preventing it from degrading into ventricular fibrillation. Multiple studies have also confirmed the safety and efficacy of such devices in patients with a high risk of sudden death.
Apart from delivering shocks, defibrillators have other qualities which can be very beneficial.
They are exceptionally good monitoring devices. Patients with heart disease may also be susceptible to other heart rhythm disturbances such as Afib (which may be ‘silent’ i.e that the patient may not even know about it). In this setting the defibrillator will detect it and when the defibrillator is interrogated, episodes of Afib will be detected. This is important because the presence of any Afib points to the patient being at a higher risk of strokes and therefore the patient would be considered for long term anticoagulation.
They are able to act as pacemakers. Patients with heart disease may be liable to developing very slow heart rates and sometimes the medications that are used to stop episodes of ventricular tachycardia or even stop the heart from weakening further can paradoxically push the heart rate down to very low levels. In this situation, the defibrillator will function as a pacemaker and stop the heart rate falling too low.
They can deliver treatments other than defibrillation. Sometimes when the defibrillator detects that the patient has developed ventricular tachycardia, it tries to treat the ventricular tachycardia before the ventricular tachycardia can degrade into ventricular fibrillation. This is called anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) and can terminate the ventricular tachycardia painlessly and therefore obviate the need for a (painful) shock.

[@neethadesilva5747]

My defib is my best friend. I camp, all over the country, drive a C class Minnie Winnie, play with my dogs and I am full time professor at 76. When the battery was run down i was tired all the time. Just got a new battery and ready to continue my fun filled life.

[@xino_z]

Thank you my Dad at 75 got one of these on Monday after a cardiac failure the Weds before at the gym and I was wondering what it looked like, etc. He had the "sudden death" condition you described in other videos and he was saved by CPR. The 1st responders maintained him for 25-30 miles to the hospital and today he's walking around and no apparent brain damage. The same evening that he had ICD put in (about 5 days after the cardiac failure at the gym) he had a tachycardia in his sleep and the ICD shocked him out of it. He didn't even notice or wake up from the event. He woke up 2-3 hours after the event. He might have a little PTSD (bc CPR HURTS and this came out of nowhere, he is in some shock.) This information about the +/- abt ICDs is SO helpful. Because when the Doctors debrief you about this thing in the ICU, you aren't exactly paying 100% attention when someone you adore and love is laying there breathing with a tube on life support. This is an amazing thing you are doing Dr. Gupta. I do wish my Dad would have had the psychological screening first along with the rest of us. I don't think my Dad was in a good place when they put it in and we pressured him too much. But he is still fighting, making himself get up everyday and is interested in going back to work. I wish you could do a video on how adult children can be helpful to people recovering like my Dad is, bc he is very touchy, and proud, and I want to support him and my Mom as best I can without annoying them.

[@Spiderveins60]

You are an angel. You have taught me so much about the heart and what can happen. Because of your videos I understand what my cardiologist is explaining about my condition. The information I have learned from you has allowed me to know what questions to ask my doctors. Bless you dear man. You are saving lives everyday. I can't thank you enough.

[@SonnyCrackBeats]

I love your channel Sanjay! You actually have the conversations that most cardiologists don't have with their patients. I really wish doctors would share the details like yourself. I'm 45 with a calcium score of 112 (20 years of smoking paid off! I've stopped the growth completely and it is not advancing with a lot of diet/supplements and medication). I'm still terrified of a heart attack so I want to know everything I can. Thank you!

[@janicemillican9754]

Thank you so much for all your hard work to educate us.

[@cfgibbs4325]

Your detailed explanations are incredibly helpful and your honest relaying of the potential problems one can have with a defibrillator was much appreciated. Many thanks.

[@sunitha2533]

Thank you so much Doctor, so very informative 🙏

[@augustaporter3735]

I’m a retired Nurse so I looked to see if you had a video on this and was thankful as she is going Friday and was in the dark. I explained to a point but you are so informative and calming and knew you could help her. Thank You so much for your videos . I subscribed long time ago cause you are so good, so helpful, God bless you.

[@hawkfalcon25]

I just got mine, so now I sleep relaxed, without the fear of a sudden death because an arrithmic heart atack everywhere, at anytime...I never have had one, but I do not want to risk to have one overnight and never wake up again. Thanks sanjay for your complete and very clear explanation of an ICD.

[@riteasrain]

So clear and helpful, as always. Thank you 👍

[@dawnallen123]

Thank you Dr. Such a great and thorough video. I'm a nurse and love watching your videos :)

[@rutheis]

Thank you so much for your explanation on this device. My husband had an ICD implanted a year ago because he was constantly dizzy and a 24 hour monitor showed he had tachycardia most of the day.. They changed his medication in January and within days, he was shocked 3 times. They kept him in the hospital to get more of the new medication - amiodarone - into his system, and knock on wood, has been fine since. But that was a traumatic experience for him and he is still worried about the next shock. I appreciate all the detail that you provide on these sorts of conditions and the reasoning behind a cardiologists decision.

[@paulmitchell3510]

very useful and helpful information for me, thanks so much.

[@Old_B52H_Gunner]

I had cardiac arrest 3 months ago and required almost 20 minutes of cpr. I got an ICD implanted 4 days after I woke up from my coma. It took 2 1/2 months for me to finally go home, I’m able to walk again with a walker, and am having my aortic valve replaced in about 2 months, and hopefully will be able to resume a more normal life.

[@nataliebennett7633]

What a wonderful man you are! Why are there not more Dr.s like you! God Bless

[@AndyfromDoncaster]

Great film Doctor. I've just had an ICD. fitted last week. So far, so good. Good luck and best wishes from me here.

[@hallieconyers8307]

Excellent video for preparing one for ICD advantages and disadvantages, Thanks

[@nickywilks7928]

Great explanation.

[@nalinisingh5653]

Thank you Dr Sanjay for Health information God bless you .

[@mclister2010]

Very useful indeed..Thank you

[@paxiong6366]

Thank you so much!

[@druo7840]

Thank you.

[@robynshore]

Thank you for all this information. I have an ICD after a SCA and basically all I was given was a pamphlet to read and told I could watch a video on KZbin. (Not even a link.) So the one I watched scared the living daylights out of me.

[@tennaj1367]

Any updates? How is it going? I hope well😊. Please let me know. Thanks 👍

[@andyarmstrong1493]

Superb insight. Thank you.

[@gsp49]

I had to stop watching this because I have a defibrillator in me, and you were only confirming my worst fears.

[@nicholasgonsalves4739]

Very Very interesting. Thanks

[@gigismalley]

Amazing medical technology!

[@Lightbarer6]

Your vids are amazing.

[@charbiser1167]

Thank you so much for your wealth of information. You are so assuring. 👏🤗👏

[@majidiqbal3493]

Really good video

[@carolbenson6524]

Well today...just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving...and we are all thankful for you!

[@anteneodevera3717]

Thank you so much Dr.Gupta your imformation . I have that Device just last year 2018. I feel better now than before.

[@xino_z]

Anteneo De Vera at what age did you get it? Did you do is as an outpatient? That's really great that you feel better. My Dad got one last week it was so stressful, but he had a sudden death incident prior to placement (with CPR etc)

[@tennaj1367]

Any updates? How is it going? I hope well😊. Please let me know. Thanks 👍

[@anteneodevera3717]

@@xino_z at age of exact 65 .my case is heart failure, so my Cardiologist advice me about this Device. Now, im already 70 years old. I'm okey but i need to be careful too. Especially foods that I'm going to intake. Of course my medications.

[@shasiiii9651]

Thankyu sir

[@johntreuschel2608]

Excellent and may I forever avoid the need of an ICD. I’m now approaching 7 years with a pacemaker that now paces 100% of the time.

[@janeself9827]

Excellent knowledge

[@m3cvfm]

Thank you so much for your information. I have had two heart attacks and three ischaemia strokes. I understand now why they have not consider fitting one in me.

[@shashimoghe3920]

Dr gupta introduction to a new useful life saving device, but not for common man thanks good wishes 23/11/2019

[@dicars2]

I love you Sanjay! I wish that you were in Canada with me sweet Doctor ❤❤

[@peggymicsky8607]

I hope I never have to have a Pacemaker! All these problems with the heart are very scary. I have AFIB with no symptoms, discovered accidently by my GP. I felt nothing and never have. I have to concentrate to feel it once in awhile. After listening to Sanjay, it petrifies me of what's to come in the future. Fortunately, he also has many videos about AFIB and ways to combat it and cope with it. Diet, exercise and stress control can combat it and sometimes cure it. Dr. Gupta tells us what our Cardiologist should have. I wonder why not?? Thank you for these videos, Doc!

[@mjabad47]

I had an ICD for almost 7 years now and I thank God everything from my ICD is going well and well monitored by the Hospital where in I have my routine check up

[@BustedJunkStudio]

Had 3 vtac episodes in 3 days and finally called emergency. After extensive testing in hospital I had a 4th episode while hooked up to heart monitors. The room was immediately filled with doctors and nurses and even the machine that goes bing! The episode resolved with much effort on their parts just as they had me setup for the big shock and CPR. The solution was a defibrulator which went in 2 days later. Everythings good now but it's only been 5 days.

[@tennaj1367]

How's everything going 7 months later? I hope well. 😊 Please let me know. 👍

[@BustedJunkStudio]

@@tennaj1367 Everything is working well. I have had a few hospitalizations since for various related things but I'm home now and recovering nicely. I do plan to start videos up again real soon. It's been a busy year medically for me but I think I'm out of the woods finally.

[@user-iw7si8fj6n]

@@BustedJunkStudio Hello I'm 10 months in with my ICD and am concerned about the shock. Has this happened to you? does it cause you to pass and cause a lot of pain? Thanks.

[@BustedJunkStudio]

No it has not. I've been told by my cardiologist that when you get a shock you are pretty much passing out anyway at the time so mostly it more like a dream.

[@ShadeShifted]

You’ve kept me sane as I deal with my ectopic beats. I have worked out very heavy for the past 8 years or so. My question to you is, is it possible to have more irregular beats If you do an intense chest workout? I found this past weekend after training chest with dumbbells of 125 a piece that the 3 days after working out I had terrible all day long last etopics or PVC (according to Apple Watch) I’ve been on magnesium for a month and it helps tremendously but after this latest bout I feel like it has to be related to my gym time. I’m 33 with structurally healthy heart. I had electrocardiogram performed and everything is great but still ectopics. Thank you so much if you have time reviewing my question. You have been a life saver.

[@vijaykhedkar7185]

Thanks sir

[@freeasabird5187]

My father had defibrillator installed in 2005 after a triple bypass. He is due to have a battery change. The Cardiologist that he has been sent to is now asking why it was installed and for us to decide whether they put in a pacemaker. My father is 89 years old, very well in himself. Lives alone and is still very capable of looking after himself.

[@bonnierobinson8684]

I have a good doctor in Utah Poorna Nalabothu she is helping me a lot!

[@bernd5199]

Oh yeah, my defibrillator saved my life several times. Once it shocked me 20 times in a row (appropriate), but since my last ablation I'm one year free of shocks and free of tachycardia. I also can do low intensity sports again. You could may make a video of the impact of extreme exercise on the heart, because I think this is one of the reasons I developed a heart problem.

[@xino_z]

Bernd that's incredible. I am so happy for you!! Amazing and thank you for sharing this

[@markjching]

glad the ablation worked for you. This video scares me. I see you're a fellow cyclist too! I recently had to stop cycling as my PAC and PVC's have gotten worse when I reach 100bpm. I'm sad I can't workout now. Going to see cardiologist in a few days for an echo.

[@bernd5199]

@@markjching oh yeah, cycling was my life before, but even without it's still worth living. Now I can go cycling without any pressure to push myself into the next level and break new records or KOMs on strava. I wish you good look and hope you're get better soon!

[@xino_z]

Bernd It's incredible that you have gone a full year without shocks. You correlate that with dialing back the exercise? Or did you make other lifestyle changes? Can you feel it after this time has passed? I am very curious.

[@bernd5199]

@@xino_z Yeah, I think it was the ablation, but I am still not sure if my heart was just inflamed, because after my first incident in November 2017 I stopped doing sports for 3 months and after that time no tachycardia was inducable and even on stress test the doctor aborted it at 350 Watt, which was far below my limit (because I could hold 1000 Watt for 2 Minutes at that time) but there was no evidence of arrhythmias. After that I was allowed to do sports again and my heart rhythm problems came back until I had a cardiac arrest September 2018. I was then treated on Myocarditis and my heart problems got worst, even I absolutely did no sport at that time. I am not sure if the high dose of cortisol triggered the tachycardias. January 2019 I got an electrical storm while having a shower, this time the defibrillator shocked me 20 times. I came into an ICU again and finally got a epi- and endocardial ablation. The doctors diagnosed ARVC, but I think it is 90% exercise induced. I think my leaky tricuspid valve (it was leaky in 2017 before the ventricle was dilated) and high level endurance exercise caused the dilated right ventricle. At that time I had 37% right ventricle ef, 15mm TAPSE, 27% FAC. Now i stopped doing high intensity sport, drink much less alcohol (1 beer a month) eat healthier and my heart got back to normal. Now I am walking very much, instead of cycling. And finally I have 50% ef of right ventricle, 20mm TAPSE, 33% FAC, which is still not the best but much better than before. Also dilatation decreased by 5mm diameter and the tv is less leaky, just grade I now.

[@punithasubramaniam197]

I wish my broinlaw had a defib in him so his death 2 years ago cud be avoided. Too bad he didnt know he had a heart condition tho his father has a heart condition but is alive now. Thanks Dr Gupta. Keep saving lives. N u plse keep safe

[@sunokahani5275]

Very useful but a bit scary

[@nelm8257]

Hi dr gupta very intresting...i have just had the Sicd boston with a wifi pacemaker no wires please do a video on this new concept...apparatly i am a subject of 75 patients ... manchester infirmary heart centre dr magdi.and dr zaidy...both i am very forever greatfull along with paramedics a and and e staff...saved my life 49 years sudden arrest out of hosptal setting...alive wirh ef 35..but greatfull for more life....respect dr

[@rekhakulkarni6173]

Hi doc, can you please make a video on omega 3

[@armadillotoe]

The scariest thing in life is having your heart restarted after you enter stage 3 or 4 heart failure. I am trying to decide if I want one or not.

[@garryellison]

I have a defib in and your right they bloody hurt when they go off

[@dorainecavite4294]

Thank you Doctor. I'm happy to know more about the defib. I'm very concern about my fiancee because 2days from now he will be implanted with this defib device and I'm little scared of the surgery and the complications. But thank God I learn more how defib function and how essential to help the heart in good condition.

[@tennaj1367]

Any updates? How is it going? I hope well😊. Please let me know. Thanks 👍

[@mysneah732]

You are in new york usa? I thought it you were practicing in UK

[@gabriellaaleman5985]

What about someone that is being having afib for 20yrs had a heart attack in 2009 and the ejection fraction 35% for about 10yrs

[@nbadraft08]

Shouldn’t everyone on earth have an implantable defibrillator? Diagnosing heart rhythms has fallibility. ICDs much less so, right? Can’t bad rhythm strike anyone at any time?

[@moocrazytn]

Not needed for SVT, right?

[@rachelcronin916]

What do you think about patient sent home after heart attack, told heart too weak and damaged, and given a LifeVest wearable defibrillator worn outside the body? I've read a lot of nonsupporting articles to the contrary on this piece of equipment. Not sure considering risk factors of patient life vs possible equipment that does not perform to standard, of which there are none they have to really adhere to prior to market placement. Thoughts on the LifeVest?

[@queenbeeetta]

I had to have a life vest on for 3.months before i actually got a ICD implanted . It was a little uncomfortable and i was stressed about wearing at first because i never heard of it,but at the same time i was thankful i had something that could save my life if needed, versus just passing out and waiting for ambulance. Having heart problems is ALOT and sometimes you dont know what to do or feel. But if it can help why not try it because your just wearing it, its not implanted. Hope this helped. Blessings to you.

[@tennaj1367]

@@queenbeeetta Any updates? How is it going with the ICD ? I hope well😊. Please let me know. Thanks 👍

[@waq4s]

I have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and therefore implanted with Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (S-ICD). The fear of sudden death is on my mind 24x7x365 :(

[@mandarrajguru6946]

When did u got ice impanted .and what gets you to diagnose hocm.. I have the same fear throughout and iam finding ways to deal with it .

[@waq4s]

​@@mandarrajguru6946 A lot has changed since my comment 2 years ago. I died twice and my S-ICD saved my life twice with appropriate shock. Now, I have been referred for septal myectomy. When I say I died twice, I suffered cardiac arrest and in both cases, the reason was that I was either running or going upstairs. So there is no need to be scared just don't run, don't walk on steep surfaces including roads and stairs, don't involve yourself in a situation where you have to run or suddenly put your heart at stress, and keep your heart rate between 50 to 100 bpm and all will be fine.

[@aghamujtaba26]

Can a normal person with healthy heart without any attack have this ICD? Just to prevent any heart attacks that may occur in future

[@christinechicco7424]

I had a SCAD with a heart attack in which I coded. They are thinking of putting in a defibrillator as a back up in case I have another SCAD

[@angelshaven8920]

My little brother has a Defribulater.

[@tennaj1367]

Any updates? How is it going? I hope well😊. Please let me know. Thanks 👍

[@327Debbie]

So, my friend had a 13 beat NSVT with a normal heart. One dr immediately wanted to put one in. I had a 12 beat one 2 yeaes ago with near fainting. Dr said I dont need it wnd dint quailfy. My heart is normal too. But I get skips and afib? Just wondering if NSVT should be considered a reason to get one? Thank you again! Live your shirt!😉

[@327Debbie]

I meant love your shirt!!

[@rachellydy3367]

I think it depends how symptomatic you are. If you lose conscienceness then that is a concern. I had a 23 beat run of V tach so had nuclear stress test, ECHO and cardiac MRI. Electrophysiologist told me due to a structurally normal heart, the chance of V tach killing me it very low. I also have SVT

[@tennaj1367]

@@rachellydy3367 any updates.. How are you doing today.. I hope well.. 😊

[@sunitha2533]

Will this device not unnecessarily shock an athlete most of the time whenever the rhythm is high... What if it shocked??? Is it dangerous??? Sounds stupid but this question was running in my mind since I heard you Doctor...

[@bernd5199]

Oh yeah that was my worry too. Because I'm still continuing with sport and have one of these inside me. The doctor told me it will recognize if it's sinustachycardia or ventricular tachycardia because of the broadness of the measured ecg. Since I got mine I never did sport with more than 130 heart rate, so I didn't test it out. Maybe at my next rehab when I'm surrounded with doctors I'll test it at the stress test😂

[@sunitha2533]

@@bernd5199 Hope your queries will be addressed before your next follow-up sir, wish you luck and good health 😊😇🙏

[@bernd5199]

@@sunitha2533 thank you very much 😀

[@bernd5199]

@Cooper McKenzie yeah, that's absolutely clear that exercise increases the heart rate but a VT can be rhythmic if it originates from one spot and it also increase the heart rate. My worry was if the defibrillator could misinterpret a very fast sinus rhythm as a ventricular tachycardia. Edit: and I was always talking about high heart rate, not "high" rythm, whatever a high rythm may be 😀

[@xino_z]

Sunitha it's not stupid and thank you for asking! I had not thought of this

[@2HAMMERS1]

Why does this device ' MUST " be installed in my body Why not just have the leads inserted and the device taped to my body? I noticed there is a logo on the device { ink ) wears off after time The coating of the device will break down in time

[@beautifullywonderfullymade6204]

Anxiety being anxious can suddenly cause a very uncontrollable rapid heartbeat is this dangerous?

[@joeker50]

I 2as thinking the same. What I panic accurs and the heart races very fast, will that thing kick in,?

[@joeker50]

Well panic itself is not dangerous.. Heart goes really fast but no need to worry.. Sounds easy but it's VERY terrifying

[@joeker50]

@@destinationmobileone5476 that's scary. 260bpm!! Wow. I suffer from panic attacks and if my heart beats 120 I start getting anxious. 150bmp then i panic and then I don't know how high my pulse is cause it beats really fast.but I'm gonna check out his videos on anxiety or panic attacks.. Good luck to you

[@jl3072]

Mid day if i lay down my heart rate goes to 48-58 even if wrestling with kids. Why

[@MrCarstennielsen]

People with hearfailure, cant they be saved by defibrillator or pacemaker, or better yet, by training body hard so to get into really good shape - by making the heart have to work hard by feeding the hungry for oxygen and nutrigents muscles and breathing - have we lost our normal feel of how heart works and so by relearning it , improve on this?

[@jonhill373]

I read about a guy who had a device implanted for 35 years. This was 14 years ago. Some battery eh? Turns out it was powered by nuclear particle.

[@N-1951]

Ironman?

[@jameskantor0459]

The device sounds a bit scary to me. So this is not a pacemaker.

[@michaelmallal9101]

My heart only moves about 20 - 25% of blood instead of 65%.

[@2HAMMERS1]

I am getting a ICD I live in Canada there is no cost at all, installed, device, even the hospital room, and meal are all covered Do these things ever misfire Say I am watching TV and all is fine Say I am out for walk Say I am resting Can this device shock me for no reason? It is a device after-all What can I no longer do, Xray, MRI, Metal Detector airport? etc.

[@hardevg247]

John. I had ICD implanted 6 years ago in Vancouver. Had been great, no issues to date except it is getting near to replacing the battery. I am 73 now, can run 2 football fields before I am exhausted somewhat, walk the dog, do some weights and walk up and down the stairs (16 steps) 5 to 6 times , that’s my indoors Covid-19 excise. Going for an echo in September to see if all is well. I have never received any shocks to date.(touch wood)😅. I never had any problems with airports scanners though I usually ask for body pat down in all countries. I have learned so much from watching Dr. S Gupta’s videos. He is a man in a million. All the best to you. HG

[@2HAMMERS1]

@@hardevg247 Hello Hardev You are such an amazing man, you are so very active, you at 73 are doing things I can only dream of, and I am 63. run 2 football fields OMG walk the dog, WOW do some weights AMAZING walk up and down the stairs, I can only dream, me I do one step at a time My dear friend, you are so blessed, Along with having a triple heart by-pass and an ICD installed I also have severe claudication in both legs the blood is limited due to the blocking of my arteries in both legs, I cannot walk more than 25meters. I call it STOP or Drop Hardev please kiss both your legs every day, you are such an inspiration When you have time, I'd love to read what amazing things you be doing say in 30 more years from now.

[@Boomer715]

Sanjay Gupta.... that’s like Sam Smith in the US right 😁

[@MaryFredette]

I want you to check me out. I want to travel from America to see you.

[@babbasi4093]

Next Monday it’s my turn

[@broski4851]

dr sanjay what cuases aystole? doesnt it need to go in vfib first before it goes to asystole damm what a depressing video.

[@michaelmallal9101]

Maybe my anti-hypertensive meds caused my vasovagal syndrome?

[@dadlovesyounevaehandresfra5154]

Great video!!! Thank you so much Dr. 💯💓 Romans 10:9 (NIV) 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

[@michaelmallal9101]

I wanna be saved.

[@2HAMMERS1]

Yup, I have my ICD installed 100% Painless before and after surgery OK granted movement on my left arm was a little sore but hey, a few days after any surgery you feel a little pain, but we are big guys and can suck it up. So far I haven't been ZAPPED { knock on wood } *I tip my hat to my fellow Canadian Hardev*

[@tennaj1367]

Any updates? How is everything going 1 year later? Please let me know. Thanks 👍

[@ginovaffanculo2527]

@@tennaj1367 Greetings Dr Gupta Nice of you to inquire Thank You Yes, I am here 1 yr later Never been shocked again knock on wood - tap-tap- Since I had this installed the only time I know I have a defib in my chest is when I touch my skin I feel the defib device, otherwise all is great... My health is slowly being compromised The meds given to me was damaging my kidneys, came close to death 3 times I was ask if I want to DNR Dr told me I am that close to death, what do you want us to do in case..? OMG My heart is at 20% My breathing is fast and deep Yup was told just today that they are going to give me meds to help remove the water legs swollen,, I now have a ostomy bag I detest this bag But. . . I still wear a smile The def they gave me is the newest model it has three leads attached to my heart and not two yup they gave me the Caddy or defib BTW the defib and to have it installed all done at NO COST to me I live in Canada so free health care, I love Canada more

[@stephaniej.9019]

I went into V tach then v fib, sudden death, was resuscitated and a few days later had an ICD fitted. 3 yrs later , I agree the shocks can be well shockingly bad, but this seems to be the start of having SVT, lbbb, fluid around heart... bp still high, hr still high. Sadly I m kind of resigned to not having thorough explanation of the how and why it's happenning

[@gotophealthcareptyltd8305]

I love your channel, Sanjay! You actually have the conversations that most cardiologists don't have with their patients. I really wish doctors would share the details like you. I'm 45 with a calcium score of 112 (20 years of smoking paid off! I've stopped the growth completely and it is not advancing with a lot of diet/supplements and medication). I'm still terrified of a heart attack so I want to know everything I can. Thank you!