ICDs: do and don'ts when living with a defibrillator implant

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a small device placed under the skin, usually below the collarbone. It monitors your heart rhythm and can help to treat dangerous heart rhythms if they happen.

It does this through low-voltage pacing, where a series of small electrical pulses are sent out to gently help a fast heartbeat or a slow heartbeat back into a normal rhythm.

It can also deliver a higher voltage electric shock to help reset the heart's electrical system if needed.

An ICD is there to help you live your life, not to stop you from doing everyday things.

ICDs are different from pacemakers. Pacemakers mainly help to correct slow heart rhythms.

• Find out why you may need an ICD, how they are fitted and how they work on our main ICD page.

Below we answer 8 common questions about living with an ICD.

1. Can you live a normal life with an ICD?

For most people, the answer is yes. Once you’ve recovered from your implant procedure, many people with an ICD return to work, exercise, travel and social activities.

It’s natural to feel cautious at first, especially in the weeks after surgery. Give yourself time to adjust and check in with your medical team about your individual circumstances to make sure you can get back to your life safely and in a way that works for you.

Work

Many people can return to work after they've had an ICD implanted. The type of work you do will influence when you can get back to work.

Exercise

Being active is usually encouraged, but you may need to change what sports you play or adapt them. Always check with your cardiac team before starting a new or more intense activity.

Consider taking part in cardiac rehabilitation first, if you are offered it, which can help you safely rebuild confidence and fitness before you get back into exercising more regularly.

Sex

Having sex with an ICD is generally safe once the wound where the device was inserted in your chest has healed (usually after 3 to 4 weeks).

If you were to get a shock from your ICD during sex, it would not harm your partner, though they might feel a brief tingling sensation.

Mental health

Having an ICD can affect how you feel emotionally too. Some people feel anxious, low in mood or worried after having it fitted, especially the unknown of whether they'll get a shock or not.

Getting support when you need it can really help. You might find it useful to:

• Talk to your cardiac team or ICD clinic about your worries.
• Ask your GP about counselling services or self-refer to NHS talking therapies.
• Join a local cardiac rehabilitation programme.
• Speak to others living with a heart condition.
• Check our guidance on dealing with anxiety or depression when you have heart problems.

2. What’s your life expectancy after an ICD implant?

Life expectancy after an ICD implant varies from person to person, depending on your underlying heart condition, age and overall health, rather than the device itself.

Many people live for a long time with an ICD. If you’re worried, make an appointment to talk to your GP or a healthcare professional at your ICD clinic.  

3. What should you avoid with an ICD?

Electromagnetic fields can interfere with your ICD stopping it from working properly, so you need to take precautions with any device that contains an electromagnetic field or magnets.

Most common household devices do not contain these and will not interfere with your device. In general, you can safely use:

• microwaves
• TVs and radios
• electric drills and power tools.

However, induction hobs use an electromagnetic field to heat pans, which can interfere with an ICD if you get very close to the hob while it’s switched on.

This does not mean you cannot use an induction hob, and most people can cook safely by taking a few simple precautions:

• Keep a distance of at least 60cm (2 feet) between your ICD and the hob while it’s on.
• Avoid leaning your chest over the hob when cooking.
• Avoid prolonged, very close contact between your ICD and the active hob.
• Use pots and pans that are the right size for the cooking zone to reduce stray electromagnetic fields.

If you’re unsure whether your cooker is induction, or you want advice tailored to your specific device, your ICD clinic can help. You can also check the safety information provided by your ICD’s manufacturer.

Some other household devices produce electrical or electromagnetic fields or contain magnets too.

To reduce your risk:

• Keep electric pulse body toning devices below your stomach, away from your ICD.
• Do not use a TENS machine for pain relief.
• Avoid wearing magnetic fasteners (such as on jewellery or clothing) close to your ICD.
• Always carry your device ID card in case you need to show it to healthcare staff or security staff.

If you’re ever unsure about a specific household item or tool, your ICD clinic can advise you.

4. Can mobile phones affect ICDs?

Mobile phones can sometimes affect an ICD because they contain magnets and give off electromagnetic fields.

If they’re held very close, these fields may briefly affect how your device picks up your heart’s natural rhythm.

To reduce any risk:

• Do not carry a phone in a pocket over your ICD.
• Keep phones, cordless phones and MP3 players at least 15cm (6 inches) away.
• Avoid dangling headphones around your neck or close to your ICD.

If your phone does come close to your device, do not panic. ICDs are designed to return to their normal settings once the phone or other electronic equipment is moved away.

It’s a good idea to check the safety information provided by the manufacturer of any electronic equipment you use. Your ICD or pacing clinic can also advise you if you’re unsure about a particular device.

5. Can you drive with an ICD?

Many people with an ICD can drive again, but there are rules you need to follow to keep yourself and others safe.

• Tell the DVLA (or DVA in Northern Ireland) that you have an ICD.
• Inform your car insurance provider, as having an ICD can affect your cover.

Your cardiac team or ICD clinic will tell you when it’s safe to start driving again.

Different rules apply if you drive a lorry or bus, or do commercial driving. So, if driving is part of your job, speak to your cardiac team for guidance.

6. Are electric cars safe with an ICD?

Yes. Current research shows electric cars are safe for people with ICDs. Modern cars and heart devices are well shielded, and driving or sitting in an electric car does not increase the risk of inappropriate shocks.

When charging an electric car:

• Keep at least 30cm (12 inches) between your ICD and the charging cable or charging point.
• Avoid leaning against or resting the cable over your shoulder.
• Brief contact, such as walking past or plugging in, is considered safe.

If you’re unsure, your cardiac team can give personalised advice.

7. What’s the best sleeping position with an ICD?

It’s common to worry about sleeping comfortably after having an ICD fitted, especially in the early weeks while the area is healing.

For the first few weeks after surgery, it’s best to sleep on your back or on the side that’s furthest away from your ICD. This helps reduce pressure on the implant site and allows the wound to heal properly.

Some people find placing an extra pillow under their arm or beside their chest offers extra comfort and support.

Once the area has healed, you can usually sleep in any position that feels comfortable.

8. Can you travel with an ICD?

Most people with an ICD can travel safely, whether that’s a short break in the UK or a holiday abroad.

A little planning can help you feel more confident and prepared. It’s a good idea to carry your device ID card with you at all times.

This explains that you have an ICD and includes key information about your device. If you’re flying, show your card to airport security staff before you go through screening.

You can ask for a hand search instead of using the main security scanners, but staff should not place hand‑held metal detectors directly over your ICD.

When travelling abroad, make sure you have:

• Enough medication for your trip, plus extra in case of delays.
• Contact details for your ICD clinic or cardiac team.
• Travel insurance that covers your heart condition and ICD.

More information and support

Your first point of contact should always be your ICD clinic or cardiac team. They are experts in your specific device and heart health.

• If you have questions about your heart health, contact the BHF Heart Helpline to speak with one of our cardiac nurses via phone, email or chat.
• Visit Mind or call their helplines for mental health support.
• Join our online community on HealthUnlocked to talk to other people with heart conditions.

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