A cardiac life vest for adults can help prevent sudden death from a heart attack or other heart-related issues. The device monitors a patient’s heart rhythm and delivers an electrical shock to restore normal beats.
Designed for patients who are at risk of sudden cardiac arrest, the LifeVest wearable defibrillator is lightweight and easy to use. It allows a patient’s physician to assess long-term arrhythmic risk and plan appropriate treatment.
Safety Features
A cardiac life vest is an effective way to help prevent sudden cardiac death. It works by detecting certain life-threatening rapid heart rhythms and automatically delivering a shock treatment to restore normal heart rhythm.
Unlike the standard automated external defibrillator (AED) that requires another person to be present, a LifeVest can be worn on your own. It can be as small as a paperback book and is designed to be worn around your waist or from a shoulder strap.
Patients who are unable to have an implantable defibrillator (ICD) may be prescribed the LifeVest device for temporary protection until they qualify for an ICD. People recovering from a heart attack, and those with reduced heart function, are also candidates for the device.
The LifeVest consists of a garment and an elastic belt that connects to a monitor and a defibrillator unit. The electrode belt detects heart rhythms and transmits them to the LifeVest monitor, which triggers the defibrillator to deliver a shock. The monitoring system then records the ECG and sends an alert to the patient.
Symptoms
Cardiac life vests (r) are wearable devices that monitor your heart rhythm and, if it detects an abnormal rhythm, shock – defibrillate – your heart into beating regularly again. They’re usually given to people who are weak or have a certain condition that puts them at risk for sudden cardiac arrest.
Those who use a LifeVest have lower rates of sudden death within three months after a heart attack than people who only take medication to manage their heart disease. The device is prescribed by a cardiologist who can evaluate your condition and decide if you need one.
The LifeVest consists of two parts: a chest garment and a monitor. The garment has electrodes that continuously monitor your heart rate and rhythm. The monitor is worn on a belt or strap around your waist.
Treatment
A cardiac life vest for adults is a wearable defibrillator that can help save your life by shock – defibrillating – your heart back into a normal rhythm. This type of device is often prescribed by a cardiology doctor to protect patients from sudden death until they are eligible for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).
The LifeVest works by monitoring your heart rhythm continuously and giving you one or more treatment shocks when you have an abnormal rhythm. These shocks may be delivered in seconds or minutes depending on the type and rate of your arrhythmia and whether you press a response button.
The LifeVest is worn under clothing 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is lightweight and can be worn around your waist, over a shoulder strap or in a fanny pack. It contains a monitor, a battery, and an electrode belt that attaches to the garment. The electrode belt holds four dry, non-adhesive ECG electrodes that constantly monitor your heart rhythm and detect any life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
Recovery
The LifeVest continuously monitors your heart and, if an arrhythmia is detected that may lead to cardiac arrest, it delivers a treatment shock.
The alarms that trigger the treatment shock are activated by a combination of signals from the electrodes and your heart’s electrical activity. If your heartbeat returns to normal, the alarms stop and you can return to normal monitoring mode.
However, if your heart’s rhythm stays abnormal after you receive the first shock, another treatment cycle is started. This process repeats for up to five times.
Having a cardiac life vest for adults is a good way to help reduce your risk of sudden cardiac arrest. It also helps your provider make the best long-term plans for your health and well-being, including deciding if you need an implantable defibrillator.