Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

defibrillator

I had a small heart attack (Dr. said) 2/17/11 and a TIA 8/11/11. I,m on two 325mg asprins,80mg Lipitor ,2000mg slo niacin,otc, 12.5 metoprolol,I,m very active, softball coach,30x60 garden,mow and trim one acre. 70 years with no after effects of these occurances. Dr did not suggest any restrictions of activities or food. He did talk about the heart pumping to fast and he could install a defibrillator. He felt I would have a heart attack next rather than stroke. No time element was given. I will do anything he suggest but........ Six days later I'm wondering if I've missed out on his suggestion, I didnt get it. WHAT SAY YOU?                                        
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
My ef is 55 and tested after the heart attack. My calcium score is 830 with 411 being LAD. He feels that broke off(?) to cause the HA. No guess as to reason for TIA. Damage to outside of heart muscle is half thickness and 3/4 "  long.
80mg of zocor then after blood work 8/3/11 switch to 40mg of lipitor. Now 80mg of lipitor.
Helpful - 1
1685247 tn?1305569485
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I dont think you have missed any particular opportunity for the implantation of a defibrillator. From the information you provided, the specific reason for the defibrillator is not clear. There are several possible reasons why a defibrillator may be indicated, and I am not sure which indication you meet.

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is implanted in patients who are at risk of sudden cardiac death due to ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. Patients who have a decreased ejection fraction or heart failure, for any reason, including a myocardial infarction, would be candidates for an ICD. It would be important to know your precise ejection fraction, and long you have been on an optimal medical regimen. The other category of patients are those with specific cardiac arrhythmias, patients who survived a potentially deadly arrhythmia, or patients at increased risk for an arrhythmia.

An ICD is programmed to detect cardiac arrhythmia and correct it by delivering a jolt of electricity. ICD's can also can be programmed to perform biventricular pacing in patients with congestive heart failure or a slow heart rate.

Helpful - 1

You are reading content posted in the Heart Disease Forum

Popular Resources
Is a low-fat diet really that heart healthy after all? James D. Nicolantonio, PharmD, urges us to reconsider decades-long dietary guidelines.
Can depression and anxiety cause heart disease? Get the facts in this Missouri Medicine report.
Fish oil, folic acid, vitamin C. Find out if these supplements are heart-healthy or overhyped.
Learn what happens before, during and after a heart attack occurs.
What are the pros and cons of taking fish oil for heart health? Find out in this article from Missouri Medicine.
How to lower your heart attack risk.