A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

Hi everyone - For those of you with implanted defibrillator, would you mind sharing what your ejection fraction was when you had the procedure done? I was diagnosed with CHF in March (with ef of 24) I was in the hospital for 15 days and on a ton of meds but feeling good. I had echo done again and my ef has improved to 37. I have no symptoms other than being light headed now and then from meds (my bp was normal to start and can go low on the mes). I have been very much wanting to avoid the ICD and thought 37 might be enough to not move forward with it at least at this time. My cardiologist is still encouraging me strongly to get it though.

I only had 1 rhythm issue when I was at my sickest in the hospital but know the weakened heart makes dangerous (potentially fatal) rhythms more likely though and the ICD is a safety net. I don't want to go on too long but I have a lot of reasons to not want one but I also don't want to be reckless.

If anyone is wiling, would love to hear the good and the bad with your ICD experiences along with your EF when you had it done. Thank you so much