Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What is a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD)?
A WCD is a vest with a small monitor. The vest contains electrodes, or pads, that can shock your heart if the monitor detects a life-threatening arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is an irregular heart rate. An arrhythmia may cause your heart to suddenly stop beating effectively. A WCD can give a shock to your heart to make it start beating effectively again.
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How does a WCD work?
- The electrodes, or pads, are located inside of the vest. They will rest against your skin when you put on the vest. The electrodes are attached to the monitor by a wire. The monitor can be worn on your belt or a shoulder strap. Four electrodes will continuously monitor your heart rate and rhythm and send information to the monitor. If the monitor detects an arrhythmia, it will send a shock to your heart through 3 defibrillator electrodes. Your monitor will display and record all the activity of your heart, including any arrhythmia and shocks. You may be able to send this information through a wireless signal to your provider. He or she may use this information to change your medicines or decide if you need other treatment.
- If you have a life-threatening arrhythmia or your heart stops beating, you will not be awake. If you are awake and your monitor vibrates or alarms that you have an arrhythmia, you will need to push a response button on the monitor. This button will prevent you from getting a shock when you do not need one. Your monitor may detect an arrhythmia when there is not one. This can happen if your belt is not worn correctly, or the electrodes are not touching your skin the right way. It can also happen when the electrodes sense your movements instead of your heart rate and rhythm.
- If you lose consciousness and are having a true arrhythmia, your WCD will shock your heart. The monitor will tell anyone who is nearby not to touch you. This is to prevent the person from also getting shocked. The monitor will tell the person to call 911. Your WCD will deliver shocks until the monitor detects a normal heart rhythm and rate.
Why might I need to wear a WCD?
Anyone who is at risk for a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) may need to wear a WCD. A SCA is when your heart suddenly stops beating. You may be at risk for SCA if you have cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or had a recent heart attack. It is usually worn by someone who is waiting to have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placed.
How can I care for myself while I have a WCD?
- Wear your WCD at all times except for bathing. An arrhythmia can happen at any time. Do not swim with your WCD.
- Position your WCD as directed. Place the vest correctly around your chest and back. Change the length of the vest's straps so that the electrodes are making good contact with your skin. Ask your provider if it is okay to put lotions or powders on your skin. Ask your provider for more information about how to wear your WCD.
- Change the batteries as directed. Most batteries only last for 24 hours. Remove and replace the battery of your WCD as directed.
- Tell your friends or family how the WCD works. Tell your family members or friends not to push the response button if you lose consciousness. This may prevent you from getting a shock when you need one.
- Stay away from magnets or machines with electric fields. Ask your provider before you have an MRI. Some MRI machines may be safe to use with your WCD. Avoid leaning into a car engine or doing welding. These things can interfere with how your WCD works.
- Keep your cell phone and MP3 player away from your WCD. Do not keep your cell phone or MP3 player in your breast pocket. Ask your provider about how to safely use your cell phone and MP3 player with your WCD.
Call 911 or have someone else call 911 for any of the following:
- You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
- Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
- You may also have any of the following:
- Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
- You become weak, dizzy, or faint.
- You have trouble breathing.
- You lose consciousness.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You feel 1 or more shocks from your WCD.
- Your monitor will not turn on.
When should I contact my healthcare provider?
- You have a fever.
- Your feet or ankles swell.
- You are sad or anxious and find it hard to do your usual activities.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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