Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. An ICD is always checking your heart for a life-threatening, rapid heart rhythm. The ICD may try to slow the rhythm back to normal using electrical pulses. If the dangerous rhythm doesn't stop, the ICD sends an electric shock to the heart. This restores a normal rhythm. The device then goes back to its watchful mode. Your doctor will program the ICD to send electrical pulses or a shock when needed. You may want to consider turning off your ICD if your health goal changes from living longer to getting the most comfort possible at the end of life. Even though an ICD can help fix heart rate or rhythm problems, you may not want this at the end of life. The shocks the ICD delivers are painful. Not being shocked may make you more comfortable. As you plan for your future and your end of life, include plans for your ICD. Your decision about your ICD can be included in your treatment plan. And you can put this information in your advance directive. Turning off your ICD is legal. It isn't considered suicide. The decision to leave on or turn off your ICD is a medical decision you make based on your values. Your ICD can be turned off by your doctor. They will use a computer to reprogram it so that it doesn't give you shocks. This procedure isn't hard or painful. The ICD isn't taken out of your chest, and you don't need surgery. Turning off the ICD won't cause death, and it won't make you feel worse. But because the ICD won't give you a shock if you have a life-threatening heart rhythm, this type of heart rhythm could lead to death. If you change your mind, the ICD can be turned back on. Some ICDs are combined with a pacemaker. You can turn off the ICD without turning off the pacemaker. Your doctor can explain how your pacemaker might affect you at the end of your life. Many things can help you decide to leave on or turn off your ICD. It can be a tough decision. But it is yours to make. You don't have to do it alone. Look to your family, your doctor, your spiritual advisor, and your friends for help and support. Things to think about: Current as of: June 24, 2023 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Current as of: June 24, 2023 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com. © 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.Topic Contents
Turning Off Your ICD
Overview
Why turn off your ICD?
How do you turn off an ICD?
How do you decide?
Related Information
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: June 24, 2023 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review BoardTurning Off Your ICD
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.