Know the difference between a Pacemaker and an Implantable Defibrillator?

Do you know the difference between a Pacemaker and a ICD? Most people don't know the difference or even what they really are so you are not alone. Both ICDs and Pacemakers are medically used devices that are implanted into the body of a heart patient.

A Pacemaker is a relatively small medical devise that is placed underneath the skin of your chest of stomach area to assist in controlling abnormal heart rhythms. The pacemaker is used to treat heart rhythms that are either too slow or too fast or just irregular.  Pacemakers are used primarily to treat heart arrhythmia's. A pacemaker is a relatively easy procedure to place inside the body.

A ICD is a tiny device that is placed in your chest or stomach area that if you have a irregular heartbeat or might be at risk for SCA. It will send pulse or shocks to the heart when it senses any irregular heartbeats.