Do I really need a defribillator?

I was diagnosed at Cleveland Clinic in 1986 with IHHS or now they call it hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. I do not have any blockage. I have followed-up with local cardiologist throughout the years (I live in southern Ohio). I've been fairly asymptomatic. My father and my brother had the same diagnosis and died suddenly (30 & 40 years ago). Lately, I've had erratic heartbeats, some angina and feel a little lightheaded (no fainting). I contributed it to stress. However, I saw a new cardiologist and she is running some tests and suggested I may be a candidate for an ICD. I was shocked. My other cardiologist has never mentioned it after 10 years of visits. I am 53 years old, going through menopause and a diabetic (but sugars are under control). Do I really need a defibrillator? I feel great most of the time.

[Jerry_NJ]

It seems you doctor thinks there is chance you heart will stop...is that what happened to you father and brother?  I  have no direct experience in you subject area but you family history suggests you should not take any unnecessary risks... I'd go with your doctor's recommendation.  

When I needed heart surgery a couple of years back my cardiologist referred me to a surgeon who confirmed the diagnosis for the need... so in effect I had a "second opinion".     I assume you will have to go to a specialist to have the ICD installed and that would first require an examination of your condition and an agreement by the surgeon(?) before any ICD would be installed.

From what I have read, an ICD is easy to live with, especially if it dosen't activate often.

[kevk]

I was DX with IHSS in 1985, In 1991 I was implanted with a ICD. Four years later the device saved my life. Next month makes nineteen years with a ICD. I owe the last fifteen years of life to my device.

With your family history I would consider the implant.