In a medical emergency, life-threatening arrhythmias may be stopped by giving the heart an electric shock (as with a defibrillator). Learn more about emergency defibrillation.

For people with recurrent arrhythmias, medical devices such as a pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) can help by continuously monitoring the heart's electrical system and providing automatic correction when an arrhythmia starts to occur.

This section covers everything you need to know about these devices.

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

• Learn what an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) is, how it works and other considerations
• Print this free ICD wallet ID card and carry it in your wallet
• Living with your ICD
• Devices that may interfere with an ICD 
• Questions to ask your doctor

• Learn what an artificial pacemaker is, how it works and other considerations
• Print this free Pacemaker wallet ID card and carry it in your wallet
• Living with your pacemaker
• Devices that may interfere with a pacemaker

Printable Arrhythmia Information Sheets

• What is Arrhythmia?
• What is Atrial Fibrillation?
• What is an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)?
• What is a Pacemaker?