Some patients with heart failure may be considering an implantable cardioverter defibrillator or ICD. An ICD is a small device that is placed under the skin of the chest.
An ICD is designed to prevent an at-risk person from dying suddenly from a dangerous heart rhythm. When it senses a dangerous heart rhythm, an ICD gives the heart an electrical shock. It does this to get the heart to beat normally.
Use this booklet and video decision aid to learn more about ICDs and understand the options. These tools can be used to help you have a discussion with doctors and your loved ones.