If the device needs to give your heart a shock, because it senses life-threatening abnormal beats, it may feel like being thumped or kicked in the chest. It usually comes suddenly and lasts for a brief time. You may feel slightly shaken for a short time after a shock, or you may feel reassured knowing that the device may have just saved your life.

With an ICD you can also expect that you will need to stay away from machinery that could interfere with the device. This includes strong magnetic fields or strong electrical fields. You will not be able to have an exam called an MRI. However, your doctor will give you more information about such guidelines.

Recently, studies have indicated that ICDs are better than antiarrhythmic drug therapy at improving survival rates in patients with serious abnormal heartbeats.