Considering having an ICD, or having an ICD fitted, can bring up a variety of different emotions.

Some people come to terms with the need for an ICD easily, and feel reassured by having it, knowing that it could, potentially, save their life. However, other people find it difficult to come to terms with having an ICD, and this can be for many reasons.

• The reality of needing an ICD means that their heart is not working well, that this could be life-threatening, and that they are relying on a machine, which can be frightening.
• They may already have experienced a dangerous arrhythmia and this can be traumatic.
• Some people don’t like the idea of having a device – a foreign object – implanted into the body.
• The implantation operation will leave a small scar, and the device might be visible (as a small bulge in the upper chest). Some people feel self-conscious about that.
• An ICD is a constant reminder of a condition. Some people may become preoccupied by their heart and any symptoms they experience.
• Some people are extremely anxious about the device giving a shock, including when they are awake or if it is an inappropriate shock.

All of these feelings are natural, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. And how you feel may change over time.

You might like to talk to your doctor about whether counselling is available to help you with some of these feelings.

Read our information about emotional wellbeing.

If you would like to talk to someone with an ICD, call our helpline and ask to be put in contact with a peer support volunteer. 

“It is important to remember that an ICD is a backup in case you have a life-threatening heart rhythm. It shouldn’t define your life: life should carry on as normally as possible depending on your heart condition.”
Sue Jones, Former pacing/ICD Service Manager.

©Cardiomyopathy UK. April 2018