For prevention of sudden cardiac death, which device is usually recommended?

For prevention of sudden cardiac death, which device is usually recommended?

• A. Pacemaker
• B. External defibrillator
• C. Internal cardioverter-defibrillator
• D. Automated Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (AICD)

Answer: (D)

Preventing sudden cardiac death hinges on providing automatic protection against dangerous fast rhythms. An implanted defibrillator sits in the chest and continuously monitors the heart. When it detects ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, it can deliver a shock or pacing therapy to restore a normal rhythm, effectively preventing death from these malignant rhythms in high-risk patients. A pacemaker, by contrast, mainly prevents bradycardia and conduction problems and does not address VT/VF. An external defibrillator is lifesaving in emergencies but is not a long-term preventive implant and requires external intervention. For ongoing prevention of sudden cardiac death in those at high risk, the device most commonly recommended is the automated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

Preventing sudden cardiac death hinges on providing automatic protection against dangerous fast rhythms. An implanted defibrillator sits in the chest and continuously monitors the heart. When it detects ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, it can deliver a shock or pacing therapy to restore a normal rhythm, effectively preventing death from these malignant rhythms in high-risk patients. A pacemaker, by contrast, mainly prevents bradycardia and conduction problems and does not address VT/VF. An external defibrillator is lifesaving in emergencies but is not a long-term preventive implant and requires external intervention. For ongoing prevention of sudden cardiac death in those at high risk, the device most commonly recommended is the automated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.