Mrs. Rani, 65yrs old was rushed to MIOT in an unconscious state, by her son during the mid of June, 2014. She was immediately taken to the ICU and was stabilized. On investigations, it was found that she has developed Arrhythmia.

Arrhythmia

An arrhythmia describes an irregular heartbeat – the heart may beat too fast (tachycardia), too slowly (bradycardia), too early (premature contraction), or irregularly (fibrillation or flutter). Arrhythmias occur when the electrical signals to the heart that coordinate heartbeats are not working properly. In Mrs. Rani’s case it was tachycardia.

Heart attack 10yrs back

Her past medical history stated that, she had a heart attack 10yrs back and was put on medications. “After that, she took great care in keeping her BP and sugar levels under control and led an active life” says her son. He also said that, in the last 3 months, twice she complained about having palpitations.

The doctor explained to her family that, the electrical circuits in her heart muscle had got damaged during the earlier heart attack and these sudden episodes could happen again. An angiogram done once she stabilized, also showed other damage in the heart muscle. To avoid further damage from ‘unpredictable short circuits’ it was decided to insert an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator).

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

An ICD is a battery-powered device placed under the skin that keeps track of your heart rate. Thin wires connect the ICD to your heart. If an abnormal heart rhythm is detected the device will deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat if your heart is beating chaotically and much too fast.

Treatment

This device was programmed and implanted by Specialist to detect arrhythmias as they set in and take necessary action, thereby protecting her heart from further shocks. It was done under local anaesthesia, there was no open surgery and she was back home in 2-3 days.

Recovery

That was 3 years back.  Now she is very fit and healthy. Though she had a few more arrhythmia attacks, the ICD handled it all (the device records it – hence, knew on her regular reviews). Today she drives herself to all her favourite concerts.

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