What are Defibrillators?

About Defibrillators:

• Defibrillators are devices that send an electric pulse or shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat.
• They are used to prevent or correct an arrhythmia, an uneven heartbeat that is too slow or too fast. 
• If the heart suddenly stops, defibrillators can also help it beat again. 
• There are three types of defibrillators: AEDs, ICDs, and WCDs.
  • Automated External Defibrillators (AED):
    • An AED is a lightweight, battery-operated, portable device that checks the heart’s rhythm and sends a shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm.
    • The device is used to help people having cardiac arrest.
  • Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs):
    • ICDs are placed through surgery in the chest or stomach area, where the device can check for arrhythmias.
    • Arrhythmias can interrupt the flow of blood from your heart to the rest of your body or cause your heart to stop.
    • The ICD sends a shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.
  • Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillators (WCDs):
    • WCDs have sensors that attach to the skin.
    • They are connected by wires to a unit that checks your heart’s rhythm and delivers shocks when needed.
    • Like an ICD, the WCD can deliver low- and high-energy shocks. The device has a belt attached to a vest that is worn under your clothes.
• Your provider fits the device to your size. It is programmed to detect a specific heart rhythm.

Q1) What is an arrhythmia?

An arrhythmia is a heart rhythm that isn’t normal. Your heart may be beating too fast when you’re at rest or just not beating in a regular pattern, for example. Arrhythmias range from harmless to serious, with symptoms and without. There are many options to treat arrhythmias, but some don’t need them.

Source: Study finds defibrillators used in just one out of ten cardiac arrests

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