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Health See other Health Articles Title: Heart Disease and Congestive Heart Failure WebMD Heart failure affects nearly 6 million Americans. Roughly 670,000 people are diagnosed with heart failure each year. It is the leading cause of hospitalization in people older than 65. Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped working. Rather, it means that the heart's pumping power is weaker than normal. With heart failure, blood moves through the heart and body at a slower rate, and pressure in the heart increases. As a result, the heart cannot pump enough oxygen and nutrients to meet the body's needs. The chambers of the heart may respond by stretching to hold more blood to pump through the body or by becoming stiff and thickened. This helps to keep the blood moving, but the heart muscle walls may eventually weaken and become unable to pump as efficiently. As a result, the kidneys may respond by causing the body to retain fluid (water) and salt. If fluid builds up in the arms, legs, ankles, feet, lungs, or other organs, the body becomes congested, and congestive heart failure is the term used to describe the condition. What Causes Heart Failure? Heart failure is caused by many conditions that damage the heart muscle, including: Coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease (CAD), a disease of the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart, causes decreased blood flow to the heart muscle. If the arteries become blocked or severely narrowed, the heart becomes starved for oxygen and nutrients. Heart attack. A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery becomes suddenly blocked, stopping the flow of blood to the heart muscle. A heart attack damages the heart muscle, resulting in a scarred area that does not function properly. Cardiomyopathy. Damage to the heart muscle from causes other than artery or blood flow problems, such as from infections or alcohol or drug abuse. Conditions that overwork the heart. Conditions including high blood pressure, valve disease, thyroid disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or heart defects present at birth can all cause heart failure. In addition, heart failure can occur when several diseases or conditions are present at once. What Are the Symptoms of Heart Failure? You may not have any symptoms of heart failure, or the symptoms may be mild to severe. Symptoms can be constant or can come and go. The symptoms can include: Congested lungs. Fluid backup in the lungs can cause shortness of breath with exercise or difficulty breathing at rest or when lying flat in bed. Lung congestion can also cause a dry, hacking cough or wheezing. Fluid and water retention. Less blood to your kidneys causes fluid and water retention, resulting in swollen ankles, legs, abdomen (called edema), and weight gain. Symptoms may cause an increased need to urinate during the night. Bloating in your stomach may cause a loss of appetite or nausea. Dizziness, fatigue, and weakness. Less blood to your major organs and muscles makes you feel tired and weak. Less blood to the brain can cause dizziness or confusion. Rapid or irregular heartbeats. The heart beats faster to pump enough blood to the body. This can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat. If you have heart failure, you may have one or all of these symptoms or you may have none of them. They may or may not indicate a weakened heart. What Are the Types of Heart Failure? Systolic dysfunction (or systolic heart failure) occurs when the heart muscle doesn't contract with enough force, so there is less oxygen-rich blood that is pumped throughout the body. Diastolic dysfunction (or diastolic heart failure) occurs when the heart contracts normally, but the ventricles do not relax properly or are stiff, and less blood enters the heart during normal filling. A calculation done during an echocardiogram, called the ejection fraction (EF), is used to measure how well your heart pumps with each beat to help determine if systolic or diastolic dysfunction is present. Your doctor can discuss which condition you have. How Is Heart Failure Diagnosed? Your doctor will ask you many questions about your symptoms and medical history. You will be asked about any conditions you have that may cause heart failure (such as coronary artery disease, angina, diabetes, heart valve disease, and high blood pressure). You will be asked if you smoke, take drugs, drink alcohol (and how much you drink), and about what drugs you take. You will also get a complete physical exam. Your doctor will listen to your heart and look for signs of heart failure as well as other illnesses that may have caused your heart muscle to weaken or stiffen. Your doctor may also order other tests to determine the cause and severity of your heart failure. These include: Blood tests. Blood tests are used to evaluate kidney and thyroid function as well as to check cholesterol levels and the presence of anemia. Anemia is a blood condition that occurs when there is not enough hemoglobin (the substance in red blood cells that enables the blood to transport oxygen through the body) in a person's blood. B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) blood test. BNP is a substance secreted from the heart in response to changes in blood pressure that occur when heart failure develops or worsens. BNP blood levels increase when heart failure symptoms worsen, and decrease when the heart failure condition is stable. The BNP level in a person with heart failure -- even someone whose condition is stable -- is higher than in a person with normal heart function. BNP levels do not necessarily correlate with the severity of heart failure. Chest X-ray. A chest X-ray shows the size of your heart and whether there is fluid build-up around the heart and lungs. Echocardiogram. This test is an ultrasound which shows the heart's movement, structure, and function. The Ejection Fraction (EF) is used to measure how well your heart pumps with each beat to determine if systolic dysfunction or heart failure with preserved left ventricular function is present. Your doctor can discuss which condition is present in your heart. Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) . An EKG records the electrical impulses traveling through the heart. Cardiac catheterization. This invasive procedure helps determine whether coronary artery disease is a cause of congestive heart failure. Stress Test. Noninvasive stress tests provide information about the likelihood of coronary artery disease. Other tests may be ordered, depending on your condition. There are more treatment options available for heart failure than ever before. Tight control over your medications and lifestyle, coupled with careful monitoring, are the first steps. As the condition progresses, doctors specializing in the treatment of heart failure can offer more advanced treatment options. The goals of treating heart failure are primarily to decrease the likelihood of disease progression (thereby decreasing the risk of death and the need for hospitalization), to lessen symptoms, and to improve quality of life. Together, you and your doctor can determine the best course of treatment for you. Stages of Heart Failure In 2001, the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) described the "Stages of Heart Failure." These stages, which were updated in 2005, will help you understand that heart failure is often a progressive condition and can worsen over time. They will also help you understand why a new medication was added to your treatment plan and may help you understand why lifestyle changes and other treatments are needed. The stages classified by the AHA and ACC are different than the New York Heart Association (NYHA) clinical classifications of heart failure that rank patients as class I-II-III-IV, according to the degree of symptoms or functional limits. Ask your doctor what stage of heart failure you are in. Check the table below to see if your therapy matches what the AHA and ACC recommend. Note that you cannot go backward in stage, only forward. The table below outlines a basic plan of care that may or may not apply to you, based on the cause of your heart failure and your special needs. Ask your doctor to explain therapies that are listed if you do not understand why you are or are not receiving them. Usual Treatments Stage A People at high risk of developing heart failure (pre-heart failure), including people with: High blood pressure Diabetes Coronary artery disease Metabolic syndrome History of cardiotoxic drug therapy History of alcohol abuse History of rheumatic fever Family history of cardiomyopathy Exercise regularly. Quit smoking. Treat high blood pressure. Treat lipid disorders. Discontinue alcohol or illegal drug use. An angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) or an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) is prescribed if you have coronary artery disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or other vascular or cardiac conditions. Beta blockers may be prescribed if you have high blood pressure or if you've had a previous heart attack. Stage B People diagnosed with systolic left ventricular dysfunction but who have never had symptoms of heart failure (pre-heart failure), including people with: Prior heart attack Valve disease Cardiomyopathy The diagnosis is usually made when an ejection fraction of less than 40% is found during an echocardiogram test. Treatment methods above for Stage A apply All patients should take an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitors) or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) Beta-blockers should be prescribed for patients after a heart attack Surgery options for coronary artery repair and valve repair or replacement (as appropriate) should be discussed If appropriate, surgery options should be discussed for patients who have had a heart attack. Stage C Patients with known systolic heart failure and current or prior symptoms. Most common symptoms include: Shortness of breath Fatigue Reduced ability to exercise Treatment methods above for Stage A apply All patients should take an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitors) and beta-blockers African-American patients may be prescribed a hydralazine/nitrate combination if symptoms persist Diuretics (water pills) and digoxin may be prescribed if symptoms persist An aldosterone inhibitor may be prescribed when symptoms remain severe with other therapies Restrict dietary sodium (salt) Monitor weight Restrict fluids (as appropriate) Drugs that worsen the condition should be discontinued As appropriate, cardiac resynchronization therapy (biventricular pacemaker) may be recommended An implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) may be recommended Stage D Patients with systolic heart failure and presence of advanced symptoms after receiving optimum medical care. Treatment methods for Stages A, B & C apply Patient should be evaluated to determine if the following treatments are available options: heart transplant, ventricular assist devices, surgery options, research therapies, continuous infusion of intravenous inotropic drugs and end-of-life (palliative or hospice) care Why Are Beta-Blockers Prescribed? Beta-blockers are often prescribed for these heart conditions: Heart failure High blood pressure Angina Abnormal heart rhythms Heart attack In addition, beta-blockers are sometimes prescribed for glaucoma, migraine headaches, anxiety, certain types of tremors, and hyperthyroidism. How Should I Take Beta-Blockers? Beta-blockers can be taken in the morning, at meals, and at bedtime; taking them with food minimize side effects because absorption is slower. Follow the label directions on how often to take a beta-blocker. The number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and how long you need to take the medication will depend on your condition. Ask your doctor what to do if you miss a dose. Beta-blockers should not be prescribed if you have low blood pressure or a slow pulse, because the further reduction in heart rate can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. If you have asthma or COPD, your doctor may not prescribe a beta-blocker because it may worsen symptoms. If you have heart failure and severe lung congestion, your doctor will treat your congestion before prescribing a beta-blocker. While you are taking a beta-blocker, you may need to record your pulse every day. If your pulse is slower than it should be, contact your doctor about taking your beta-blocker that day. Never stop taking a beta-blocker without speaking to your doctor first, even if you feel that it is not working. Sudden withdrawal can worsen angina and cause heart attacks. What Are the Side Effects of Beta-Blockers? Side effects of beta-blockers include: Fatigue Cold hands Headache Upset stomach Constipation Diarrhea Dizziness Shortness of breath Trouble sleeping Loss of sex drive/erectile dysfunction Depression Side effects of beta-blockers are common and usually mild, but if these symptoms persist or become severe, contact your doctor: www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/beta-blocker-therapy Do Other Drugs Interact With Beta-Blockers? A beta-blocker is often prescribed with a diuretic (''water pill''), or other medications such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which lower blood pressure and improve heart failure symptoms. If you have side effects after taking your heart drugs together, contact your health care provider. You may need to change the times you take each medication. It is important that your doctor is aware of all the drugs you are taking -- including over-the-counter drugs, herbs and supplements -- because they have the potential to interact with beta-blockers. Can Pregnant Women Take Beta-Blockers? Use of beta-blockers during pregnancy may affect the growing fetus by slowing its heart rate, and lowering its blood sugar level and blood pressure. Beta-blockers can also pass to the infant through breast milk, causing low blood pressure, difficulty breathing and a slowed heart rate. Women should inform their doctor if they are trying to get pregnant or become pregnant while on beta-blockers or are breastfeeding. Can Children Take Beta-Blockers? Certain beta-blockers have been used successfully in children to treat a variety of conditions, including heart failure, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and migraines. Can Older Adults Take Beta-Blockers? Beta-blockers, usually in lower doses, are frequently prescribed to older people. WebMD Medical Reference View Article Sources Sources Reviewed by James Beckerman, MD, FACC on February 26, 2016 © 2016 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. How Can I Prevent Heart Failure From Worsening? Keep your blood pressure low. In heart failure, the release of hormones causes the blood vessels to constrict or tighten. The heart must work hard to pump blood through the constricted vessels. It is important to keep your blood pressure controlled so that your heart can pump more effectively without extra stress. Monitor your own symptoms. Check for changes in your fluid status by weighing yourself daily and checking for swelling. Call your doctor if you have unexplained weight gain (3 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week) or if you have increased swelling. Maintain fluid balance. Your doctor may ask you to keep a record of the amount of fluids you drink or eat and how often you go to the bathroom. Remember, the more fluid you carry in your blood vessels, the harder your heart must work to pump excess fluid through your body. Limiting your fluid intake to less than 2 liters per day will help decrease the workload of your heart and prevent symptoms from recurring. Limit how much salt (sodium) you eat. Sodium is found naturally in many foods we eat. It is also added for flavoring or to make food last longer. If you follow a low-sodium diet, you should have less fluid retention, less swelling, and breathe easier. Monitor your weight and lose weight if needed. Learn what your "dry" or "ideal" weight is. Dry weight is your weight without extra water (fluid). Your goal is to keep your weight within 4 pounds of your dry weight. Weigh yourself at the same time each day, preferably in the morning, in similar clothing, after urinating but before eating, and on the same scale. Record your weight in a diary or calendar. If you gain three pounds in one day or five pounds in one week, call your doctor. Your doctor may want to adjust your medications. Monitor your symptoms. Call your doctor if new symptoms occur or if your symptoms worsen. Do not wait for your symptoms to become so severe that you need to seek emergency treatment. Take your medications as prescribed. Medications are used to improve your heart's ability to pump blood, decrease stress on your heart, decrease the progression of heart failure, and prevent fluid retention. Many heart failure drugs are used to decrease the release of harmful hormones. These drugs will cause your blood vessels to dilate or relax (thereby lowering your blood pressure). Schedule regular doctor appointments. During follow-up visits, your doctors will make sure you are staying healthy and that your heart failure is not getting worse. Your doctor will ask to review your weight record and list of medications. If you have questions, write them down and bring them to your appointment. Call your doctor if you have urgent questions. Notify all your doctors about your heart failure, medications, and any restrictions. Also, check with your heart doctor about any new medications prescribed by another doctor. Keep good records and bring them with you to each doctor visit. In an effort to prevent further heart damage: Stop smoking or chewing tobacco. Reach and maintain your healthy weight. Control high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and diabetes. Exercise regularly. Do not drink alcohol. Have surgery or other procedures to treat your heart failure as recommended. What Medications Should I Avoid if I Have Heart Failure? There are several different types of medications that are best avoided in those with heart failure including: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin or Aleve. For relief of aches, pains, or fever take Tylenol instead. Some antiarrhythmic agents Most calcium channel blockers (if you have systolic heart failure) Some nutritional supplements, such as salt substitutes, and growth hormone therapies Antacids that contain sodium (salt) Decongestants such as Sudafed If you are taking any of these drugs, discuss them with your doctor. It is important to know the names of your medications, what they are used for, and how often and at what times you take them. Keep a list of your medications and bring them with you to each of your doctor visits. Never stop taking your medications without discussing it with your doctor. Even if you have no symptoms, your medications decrease the work of your heart so that it can pump more effectively. How Can I Improve My Quality of Life With Heart Failure? There are several things you can do to improve your quality of life if you have heart failure. Among them: Eat a healthy diet. Limit your consumption of sodium (salt) to less than 2,000 milligrams (2 grams) each day. Eat foods high in fiber. Limit foods high in trans fat, cholesterol, and sugar. Reduce total daily intake of calories to lose weight if necessary. Exercise regularly. A regular cardiovascular exercise program, prescribed by your doctor, will help improve your strength and make you feel better. It may also decrease heart failure progression. Don't overdo it. Plan your activities and include rest periods during the day. Certain activities, such as pushing or pulling heavy objects and shoveling may worsen heart failure and its symptoms. Prevent respiratory infections. Ask your doctor about flu and pneumonia vaccines. Take your medications as prescribed. Do not stop taking them without first contacting your doctor. Get emotional or psychological support if needed. Heart failure can be difficult for your whole family. If you have questions, ask your doctor or nurse. If you need emotional support, social workers, psychologists, clergy, and heart failure support groups are a phone call away. Ask your doctor or nurse to point you in the right direction. n heart failure, surgery may sometimes prevent further damage to the heart and improve the heart's function. Procedures used include: Coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. The most common surgery for heart failure caused by coronary artery disease is bypass surgery. Although surgery is more risky for people with heart failure, new strategies before, during, and after surgery have reduced the risks and improved outcomes. Heart valve surgery . Diseased heart valves can be treated both surgically (traditional heart valve surgery) and non-surgically (balloon valvuloplasty). Implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The LVAD is known as the "bridge to transplantation" for patients who haven't responded to other treatments and are hospitalized with severe systolic heart failure. This device helps your heart pump blood throughout your body. It allows you to be mobile, sometimes returning home to await a heart transplant. It may also be used as destination therapy for long-term support in patients who are not eligible for transplant. Heart transplant. A heart transplant is considered when heart failure is so severe that it does not respond to all other therapies, but the person's health is otherwise good. Heart Failure Treatment Is a Team Effort Heart failure management is a team effort, and you are the key player on the team. Your heart doctor will prescribe your medications and manage other medical problems. Other team members -- including nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, exercise specialists, and social workers -- will help you achieve success. But it is up to YOU to take your medications, make dietary changes, live a healthy lifestyle, keep your follow-up appointments, and be an active member of the team. What Is the Outlook for People With Heart Failure? With the right care, heart failure will not stop you from doing the things you enjoy. Your prognosis or outlook for the future will depend on how well your heart muscle is functioning, your symptoms, and how well you respond to and follow your treatment plan. Everyone with a long-term illness, such as heart failure, should discuss their desires for extended medical care with their doctor and family. An "advance directive" or "living will" is one way to let everyone know your wishes. A living will expresses your desires about the use of medical treatments to prolong your life. This document is prepared while you are fully competent in case you are unable to make these decisions at a later time. WebMD Medical Reference View Article Sources Sources Reviewed by James Beckerman, MD, FACC on September 20, 2014 © 2014 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
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(Note that Beta blockers are "alcohols" so maybe quenching adrenaline build up with a swig of the ordinary kind might correct arrhythmias just as well). Beta-blockers are one of the most widely prescribed classes of drugs to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and are a mainstay treatment of congestive heart failure. Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline) and slowing the heart's rate, thereby decreasing the heart’s demand for oxygen. Long-term use of beta-blockers helps manage chronic heart failure. Examples of beta-blockers include: Acebutolol (Sectral) Atenolol (Tenormin) Bisoprolol (Zebeta) Carvedilol (Coreg) Esmolol (Brevibloc) Inderal (propranolol) Normodyne, Trandate (labetalol) Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL) The heart is a muscular organ about the size of a fist, located just behind and slightly left of the breastbone. The heart pumps blood through the network of arteries and veins called the cardiovascular system. The heart has four chambers: The right atrium receives blood from the veins and pumps it to the right ventricle. The right ventricle receives blood from the right atrium and pumps it to the lungs, where it is loaded with oxygen. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it to the left ventricle. The left ventricle (the strongest chamber) pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. The left ventricle’s vigorous contractions create our blood pressure. The coronary arteries run along the surface of the heart and provide oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. A web of nerve tissue also runs through the heart, conducting the complex signals that govern contraction and relaxation. Surrounding the heart is a sac called the pericardium. Heart Conditions Coronary artery disease: Over the years, cholesterol plaques can narrow the arteries supplying blood to the heart. The narrowed arteries are at higher risk for complete blockage from a sudden blood clot (this blockage is called a heart attack). Stable angina pectoris: Narrowed coronary arteries cause predictable chest pain or discomfort with exertion. The blockages prevent the heart from receiving the extra oxygen needed for strenuous activity. Symptoms typically get better with rest. Unstable angina pectoris: Chest pain or discomfort that is new, worsening, or occurs at rest. This is an emergency situation as it can precede a heart attack, serious abnormal heart rhythm, or cardiac arrest. Myocardial infarction (heart attack): A coronary artery is suddenly blocked. Starved of oxygen, part of the heart muscle dies. Arrhythmia (dysrhythmia): An abnormal heart rhythm due to changes in the conduction of electrical impulses through the heart. Some arrhythmias are benign, but others are life-threatening. Congestive heart failure: The heart is either too weak or too stiff to effectively pump blood through the body. Shortness of breath and leg swelling are common symptoms. Cardiomyopathy: A disease of heart muscle in which the heart is abnormally enlarged, thickened, and/or stiffened. As a result, the heart's ability to pump blood is weakened. Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle, most often due to a viral infection. Pericarditis: Inflammation of the lining of the heart (pericardium). Viral infections, kidney failure, and autoimmune conditions are common causes. Pericardial effusion: Fluid between the lining of the heart (pericardium) and the heart itself. Often, this is due to pericarditis. Atrial fibrillation: Abnormal electrical impulses in the atria cause an irregular heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias. Pulmonary embolism: Typically a blood clot travels through the heart to the lungs. Heart valve disease: There are four heart valves, and each can develop problems. If severe, valve disease can cause congestive heart failure. Heart murmur: An abnormal sound heard when listening to the heart with a stethoscope. Some heart murmurs are benign; others suggest heart disease. Endocarditis: Inflammation of the inner lining or heart valves of the heart. Usually, endocarditis is due to a serious infection of the heart valves. Mitral valve prolapse: The mitral valve is forced backward slightly after blood has passed through the valve. Sudden cardiac death: Death caused by a sudden loss of heart function (cardiac arrest). Cardiac arrest: Sudden loss of heart function www.webmd.com/heart/picture-of-the-heart Heart Tests Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): A tracing of the heart’s electrical activity. Electrocardiograms can help diagnose many heart conditions. Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart. An echocardiogram provides direct viewing of any problems with the heart muscle’s pumping ability and heart valves. Cardiac stress test: By using a treadmill or medicines, the heart is stimulated to pump to near-maximum capacity. This may identify people with coronary artery disease. Cardiac catheterization: A catheter is inserted into the femoral artery in the groin and threaded into the coronary arteries. A doctor can then view X-ray images of the coronary arteries or any blockages and perform stenting or other procedures. Holter monitor: If a doctor suspects an arrhythmia, a portable heart monitor can be worn. Called a Holter monitor, it records the heart's rhythm continuously for a 24 hour period. Event monitor: If a doctor suspects an infrequent arrhythmia, a portable heart monitor called an event monitor can be worn. When you develop symptoms, you can push a button to record the heart's electrical rhythm. Heart Treatments Exercise: Regular exercise is important for heart health and most heart conditions. Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program if you have heart problems. Angioplasty: During cardiac catheterization, a doctor inflates a balloon inside a narrowed or blocked coronary artery to widen the artery. A stent is often then placed to keep the artery open. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI): Angioplasty is sometimes called a PCI or PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) by doctors. Coronary artery stenting: During cardiac catheterization, a doctor expands a wire metal stent inside a narrowed or blocked coronary artery to open up the area. This lets blood flow better and can abort a heart attack or relieve angina (chest pain). Thrombolysis: “Clot-busting” drugs injected into the veins can dissolve a blood clot causing a heart attack. Thrombolysis is generally only done if stenting is not possible. Lipid-lowering agents: Statins and other cholesterol (lipid) lowering drugs reduce the risk for heart attack in high-risk people. Diuretics: Commonly called water pills, diuretics increase urination and fluid loss. This reduces blood volume, improving symptoms of heart failure. Beta-blockers: These medicines reduce strain on the heart and lower heart rate. Beta-blockers are prescribed for many heart conditions, including heart failure and arrhythmias. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors): These blood pressure medicines also help the heart after some heart attacks or in congestive heart failure. Aspirin: This powerful medicine helps prevent blood clots (the cause of heart attacks). Most people who have had heart attacks should take aspirin. Clopidogrel (Plavix): A clot-preventing medicine that prevents platelets from sticking together to form clots. Clopidogrel is especially important for many people who have had stents placed. Antiarrhythmic medications: Numerous medicines help control the heart’s rate and electrical rhythm. These help prevent or control arrhythmias. AED (automated external defibrillator): If someone has sudden cardiac arrest, an AED can be used to assess the heart rhythm and send an electrical shock to the heart if necessary. ICD (Implantable cardioverter defibrillator): If a doctor suspects you are at risk for a life-threatening arrhythmia, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator may be surgically implanted to monitor your heart rhythm and send an electrical shock to the heart if necessary. Pacemaker: To maintain a stable heart rate, a pacemaker can be implanted. A pacemaker sends electrical signals to the heart when necessary to help it beat properly.
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