Heart Failure Support Group
Heart failure is a condition that can result from any structural or functional cardiac disorder that impairs the ability of the heart to fill with or pump a sufficient amount of blood throughout the body. It is often undiagnosed due to a lack of a universally agreed definition and difficulties in diagnosis, particularly when the condition is considered "mild."
Just a question for my sister. She has been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver over 5 yrs. ago, and recently went to the hospital with severe edema and ascites. She received a new diagnosis of CHF that she's had for a while I guess. Her heart is very weak. She has had an arrhythmia that they couldn't get under control because of the edema in her legs, so she remains in the hospital at this time. When they send her home, they will send her home with help and a physical therapist and a life vest. I am wondering why they are giving her the life vest as opposed to an implantable device?.
The LifeVest is the first wearable defibrillator. Unlike an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), the LifeVest is worn outside the body rather than implanted in the chest. This device continuously monitors the patient's heart disease ( www.ishdriskfactor.com ) with dry, non-adhesive sensing electrodes to detect life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms. If a life-threatening rhythm is detected, the device alerts the patient prior to delivering a treatment shock, and thus allows a conscious patient to delay the treatment shock. If the patient becomes unconscious, the device releases a Blue gel over the therapy electrodes and delivers an electrical shock to restore normal rhythm.
permit them to implant a defibrillator at this time, and a permanent one may be put in later when she is back to full strength. Bear in mind, it is possible when they have these issues resolved, she may not need a permanent defibrillator.
I had a serious infection and had to wear a life vest for 3 months until that was resolved then a new defibrillator was implanted. The life vest can be annoying but it's important it be used 24/7 until the doctor says otherwise.