bradycardia, or a slow heartbeat, and implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) can treat tachycardia, or fast heartbeats.
Unlike pacemakers, ICDs can also treat a life-threatening heart condition known as ventricular fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia in which the lower heart chambers rapidly contract in an uncoordinated manner, the Cleveland Clinic said.
When a ventricular fibrillation is detected, ICDs deliver a strong electric shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat. ICDs can be larger than pacemakers and are implanted beneath the collarbone.
Things you can’t do with a pacemaker
If you have a pacemaker, there are certain things that should be avoided to prevent damage to the device, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some of these include:
- Avoid strong magnets: Strong magnets can cause a pacemaker to deliver inappropriate shocks or completely stop the pacemaker from working.
- Avoid certain activities: Contact sports like football and rugby, and activities that involve heavy lifting like weightlifting, should be avoided to prevent device damage.
- Avoid certain equipment: Things like cellphones, metal detectors, MRIs, CT scans, radiation treatment for cancer, electric blankets and heating pads can also interfere with pacemaker function and should be avoided.
Because each patient is unique, talk with your doctor about what activities or types of equipment to avoid with your pacemaker.