What do you do if you receive a shock from your ICD or CRT-D?

If you feel a fast heart beat, be prepared to receive therapy from your ICD within a few seconds.

• Stay calm and sit or lie down.

• If possible, have someone remain near you throughout the event.

• Have a friend or family member call the emergency number if you remain unconscious for more than 1 minute.

• If you are conscious but do not feel well after receiving a shock, have someone call your doctor immediately. Follow your doctor's orders, including reporting to the emergency room, if instructed to do so.

• If you feel well after the therapy and the symptoms do not recur, you may not need to seek immediate medical attention.

When you do call, your doctor or a nurse may ask you the following questions:

• What were you doing immediately before the shock?

• How did you feel immediately after the shock?

• What symptoms did you notice before the shock?

It is important to prepare your family and friends to contact emergency medical personnel and your doctor. Reserve a space for your local emergency phone numbers and information about your current medications. Keep a copy of this information next to your phone for easy access in case of emergency.

If someone is touching you when the ICD delivers a shock, that person might feel a tingle due to a small, harmless amount of current passing through your skin. They might also feel your muscles twitch or see you "jump" slightly or flail, as if startled.

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