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The sensation will differ for each individual patient. A shock from an ICD can feel like a sharp or quick thump to the chest. The muscles in your chest and upper arm may tighten so strongly that you jump up in surprise. Try not to worry if this happens, remember that a defibrillating shock from an ICD can be lifesaving. If there is any pain caused by a shock, it often passes quickly. Anyone touching you at the time you get the shock may feel a muscle spasm or a tingle. It will not hurt the person touching you. Any questions on what to expect in the event of a shock should be directed to your doctor.

Most people who have received an ICD shock describe the event in a unique manner. It is normal to feel apprehensive, but also remember that a defibrillating shock from an ICD can be lifesaving. For most people, if there is pain, it quickly passes.

These systems should not affect your heart device. However, as a precaution, do not linger near or lean against such systems. Walk through these systems at a normal pace. If you are near such a system and experience symptoms, promptly move away from the system. After you move away, the heart device resumes its previous state of operation.

Talk to a doctor about any questions or concerns regarding medications.

There are potential symptoms to identify something is interfering with a heart device, like shortness of breath, dizziness, sudden weakness, fluttering in the chest, lightheadedness, fainting, or possibly an inappropriate shock. Generally, moving away from the item that is causing the interference will resolve the issue. Talk to a doctor to discuss further.

Some heart devices have alert tones or vibrations and others do not. Typically, only an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) makes noise or vibrates, but some newer pacemakers have audible alerts. Talk to a doctor to learn more about individual devices and the possible tones they could emit.

The heart is roughly the size of a fist and sits in the middle of the chest, slightly to the left. Each day, the heart beats approximately 100,000 times and is the center of the circulation system, pumping blood throughout the body. This blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body to help organs and muscles work properly.

Welding with a heart device requires several precautions in place before participating:

• Limit welding to currents less than 160 amps.
• Work in a dry area and wear dry gloves and shoes.
• Maintain a 24 in (60 cm) distance between the welding arc and heart device.
• Place the welding unit approximately 60 in (152 cm) away from the work area.
• Keep the welding cables close together and as far away from the heart device as possible.
• Connect the ground clamp to the metal as close to the point of welding as possible.
• Arrange the work so the handle and rod will not contact the metal being welded if they are accidentally dropped.
• Wait several seconds between attempts when having difficulty starting a weld.
• Work in an area that offers firm footing and plenty of room for movement.
• Immediately stop welding and step away from the area if feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or experiencing other symptoms.
• Work with an informed person who understands these suggestions.

Note: Aprons or vests will not effectively shield the heart device from the electromagnetic energy generated by welding equipment.

Discuss with a doctor prior to welding to ensure safe use.

Heat and humidity do not interfere with heart devices, but hot tubs may affect people with certain medical conditions. Discuss this with a doctor.

A roller coaster won't affect an implanted heart device but check with a doctor to make sure there are no heart conditions that prevent riding. A roller coaster may have shoulder bars that can rest uncomfortably on a device. Items such as additional padding, an extra shirt, or towel can be used to protect the devices in these cases from rough, physical contact to the implant site.

Additionally, keep a heart device at least 6 in (15 cm) away from any magnetic components.