Doubt anyone can answer your question without extensive information and medical knowledge of YOUR exact pathology. Even when various heart procedures are performed that the average layman consider essentially identical (eg, by-pass, or angioplasty), subtle differences in ones condition often cause a wide variance in additional follow-up treatments. Or in other words normal actually covers a wide-range of optional therapies. Smile

Ask your doctor Why, in your case.

[CHS is ambiguous can refer to a number of possible conditions (or even totally unrelated to the heart at all).]

I'm sorry, I am not familiar with CHS, you didn't by chance mean CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) did you? You really didn't give enough detail to fully comprehend your situation.

There are medical guidelines governing the implant of a defibrillator, one of which being a EF (Ejection Fraction) of 30% or less. It's in most cases a preventative measure as people with a low EF are susceptible to sudden cardiac arrest. Now actually there are some additional variables and so it's not automatic but a recommended situation as just one example.

I would suggest you find out more specifics, nonsustained whatever won't help you figure out what to do, anyway start reading up on your condition and options available before you decide on a path.

I had a defibrillator for 9 years then during an upgrade got an infection and have been totally out of commission for the past 6 months so it's a life saving tool but not something to be taken lkightly. There are risks associated. Educate yourself so you can make the decisions best for you.

Good luck

I meant CHF, as this is the heart failure support group.

Thanks.

What was your EF back in February and what was it upon your recheck? I too was diagnosed in 2/16 with and EF of 17% and rechecked the end of April with approximately the same result so I am waiting on an appointment to have the implant. They told me if I didn't improve up to at least 35% in the first 3 months of medication, diet changes and exercise, that I would need to have one

Jodifiedler the protocols typically a 3 month wait to ensure other therapy will not resolve the issue. I think as much as anything it's an insurance issue. At 17% you are definitely a candidate.

Well, when I checked into the hospital in Feb. my EF was 20%. I had a stress test a few weeks after I got out, and it was at 27%. Then at the 3-month mark I had an echo which came back at 37%.
My doctor thought that was borderline, so he had me take a MUGA test, which more accurately measures ER. 36.9%.
So, his nurse called me today and said no defib and you can return your Life Vest. Wow! Very happy. I will see him this week to get more details.
Looks like I just made the cutoff.
Although people who don't have this, are like gee, why wouldn't you get a defibrillator?

oooh that life vest is quite the torcher tool isn't it? My upgraded CRT had issues and without going into all the gruesome details had to be hoiked out lock stock and barrel in January. Been on a life vest until just last week and what a pain, especially trying to sleep. Why do they call it a vest anyway, more like a halter.

Anyway glad to hear you were spared. The vast majority of patients with an ICD never get therapy anyway but many stress waiting for that Jesus Jolt to hit. Enjoy your freedom and good luck

Thank you RoboPop. Yes, I do feel spared. I stopped wearing the life vest after awhile because it was a mild form of torture--it went off a few times and that was scary (when I called the company they recommended cleaning it). Although I complained to my doctor about it, and he said, "It's better than dying!"

How long have you had CHF? Sorry if you posted that already.

EP sent a referral for me to see a "heart failure specialist" this past Feb. when my EF showed 15-20%. (I have a Medtronic VIVA PM with defib capability). The heart specialist set me up for an echo the following week. Wife asked him, "Are you an EP?) His answer: "No! But I KNOW how to read an echo better than any of those guys!" (An echo is actually subjective). A week later, he watched while the sonographer brought my heart action into view, and the device clinic nurse waited for the Doc's instructions. After about 10 minutes of PM changes, the Doc. said do this: xxxxxxxx to the device nurse. Both the Doc and the sonographer (at the same instant) exclaimed "ALL RIGHT!" Afterward, Doc stated his crew was able to increase my LVEF by 30% or so. I asked, "Does that mean my EF is around 40% now? He said, "Can't tell yet. Make an appt. for a full-on echo in June and we'll see."

nyiaca12 ~ I was diagnosed with end stage CHF in Jan 2007 and still here. Had a quad bypass and valve replaced along with an ICD crammed in at that time. My Cardiologist keeps asking how I do so much with so little...the secret is laughing at life.

Have confidence you can beat the odds

To diagnose CHS, your doctor will first look at your medical history for other indicators of the disease, such as frequent infections. A physical exam and certain tests are then performed to make a diagnosis. A physical exam can show signs of a swollen liver or spleen, or jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes

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