Defibrillators are lifesaving devices designed to restore an abnormal heart rhythm. Defibrillators may be implanted under the skin or worn as an adult cardiac life vest defibrillator.
People at risk of sudden cardiac arrest can get a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) before waiting for an implanted device, to avoid potentially life-threatening arrhythmias that could arise right after having had a heart attack or surgery.
Defibrillator
If you are at high risk for sudden cardiac arrest, speaking to your physician about getting a defibrillator could save your life. There are various types of devices, including automated external defibrillators (AEDs), implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and wearable cardioverter defibrillators (WCDs).
A defibrillator is a battery-powered device used to detect life-threatening heart rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation and non-perfusing ventricular tachycardia, and deliver an electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm. A defibrillator may prevent sudden death from an arrhythmia by interrupting it quickly enough.
Automated external defibrillators are portable battery-powered devices designed to monitor heart rhythm and determine whether it requires shock treatment. Used both publicly and in ambulances, automated external defibrillators offer step-by-step voice instructions that make them simple for bystanders to follow.
An AED is the only effective means of reviving someone who is still experiencing life-threatening arrhythmia when first responders arrive on scene. Once activated, it provides step-by-step voice instructions on how to position electrode pads onto their chest and administer an electric shock.
Once the pads have been properly applied, an AED automatically measures heart rhythms to determine whether a shock is necessary and instructs users to stand back and press a button before administering shocks if required.
Defibrillators are safe to use and can assist those experiencing cardiac issues for some time, though learning their use might require time and effort.
Patients at risk for sudden cardiac arrest who have undergone a heart attack or who suffer other heart ailments that increase their risk may be prescribed a LifeVest(r), a lightweight wearable defibrillator designed to monitor and deliver electrical shocks as necessary to stabilize heart rhythms at any time, giving them peace of mind while engaging in daily activities and engaging in life activities. This device helps patients engage in their lives more fully.
LifeVest(r) is an FDA-approved wearable defibrillator that can lower risk of sudden cardiac death in certain populations. If this sounds like something that would benefit you, contact Bay Area Cardiology Associates PA in Brandon, Sun City Center, Riverview or Tampa to arrange for a health evaluation and get one today.
LifeVest®
Cardiac life vests are lightweight devices designed to monitor and shock abnormal heartbeats when detected. Patients wearing cardiac life vests include those suffering from reduced cardiac function after suffering a heart attack, prior or following bypass surgery or stent placement procedures, cardiomyopathy or congestive heart failure that put them at increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest, as well as those living with cardiomyopathy or congestive heart failure which puts them at high risk of sudden death.
The ZOLL LifeVest(r) stands out from other AEDs by not requiring two people to operate it, which makes it ideal for when there is no nearby emergency medical services (EMS) available to transport you to a hospital. At less than two pounds and fitted securely around your chest, concealment shouldn’t be an issue when using it.
Zoll reports that LifeVest(r) is an FDA-approved wearable cardiac defibrillator designed to monitor your electrocardiogram and deliver shocks if it detects an irregular heart rhythm, protecting you and your family against sudden cardiac arrest so you can remain independent and live an abundant life. It features an eight year battery life.
LifeVest(r) is a non-invasive device that uses electrodes and pads to monitor your heart rhythm, with electrodes providing information while pads deliver shocks should you require one. The LifeVest can help stop irregular heartbeats such as ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation which are the two leading causes of sudden cardiac arrest or death.
LifeVest(r) detects dangerous arrhythmias by sounding an alarm and notifying bystanders to stay away. Alarms may sound whether you are awake or unconscious; should they go off unanswered, LifeVest(r) administers treatment shock through garment electrodes to return your heart rhythm back to normal.
Because it does not require two people to operate it, LifeVest(r) offers another solution for patients awaiting implantable cardiac defibrillators. It may provide relief in cases of decreased heart function following heart attacks; used together with other therapies it may maintain optimal cardiac functioning until an implanted defibrillator becomes available.
Zoll®
The Zoll(r) wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) provides protection for patients at risk for sudden cardiac death by monitoring for certain life-threatening rapid heart rhythms that could lead to sudden cardiac arrest, and automatically administering a treatment shock when necessary to restore normal rhythm.
WCDs can help treat various heart arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. These abnormal heart rhythms may cause unconsciousness or inhibit the heart from pumping blood efficiently and lead to sudden cardiac death – potentially fatal events with serious consequences.
High-risk cardiac arrest victims due to medical history (for instance a prior history of heart attack or failure) may qualify for the LifeVest WCD. They must be under medical care with documented proof of qualifying conditions.
To be prepared to respond appropriately when faced with your LifeVest WCD, it’s vital that both you and your loved ones become acquainted with its use and its alarms. The device uses a battery-operated monitor which records electrocardiogram (EKG) readings before activating its defibrillator mechanism when it detects potential irregularities in your heartbeat.
Be mindful of environments and activities that might cause an alarm to go off, such as riding a motorized vehicle that produces vibration, as this may prevent you from hearing its alerts. Also be careful while operating lawnmowers or any equipment which might produce similar results.
In January 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication regarding an issue in some Zoll LifeVest 4000 devices. According to this statement from FDA, some LifeVests may fail to deliver lifesaving shocks due to issues in charging circuitry.
According to FDA recommendations, you should contact Zoll immediately and replace your LifeVest 4000 when it displays “Call for Service – Message Code 102” on its device screen. While waiting for its replacement to arrive, continue using your LifeVest correctly – failure could prevent receiving shocks when necessary from your LifeVest.
Getting Started
A cardiac life vest is an indispensable tool if you’re at risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). It consists of a vest equipped with electrodes to monitor heart rate and administer treatment shocks as needed, along with a monitor that displays data and provides medically accurate readings. Plus, its noninvasive nature means it works with most patients at risk of SCA; when combined with an ICD it provides even greater benefits – though wearing it at all times will ensure optimal performance! Unfortunately though, one major drawback to consider when using one.
Start off right by finding a qualified healthcare professional to answer any of your questions about the rig and suggest appropriate devices that meet your individual needs.
