10/23/2025
Pacemaker vs Defibrillator (ICD): What’s the Difference? 👇
⚡ Pacemaker: Sends low-energy pulses to fix slow/irregular beats (e.g., bradycardia, heart block).
🔋 Defibrillator (ICD): Monitors 24/7 and delivers high-energy shocks to stop dangerous fast rhythms (V-tach/V-fib).
Quick Compare:
Purpose: Pacemaker = regulate slow | ICD = stop fast, life-threatening
Risk level: Pacemaker = moderate | ICD = high sudden death risk
Recovery: Pacemaker 2–4 wks | ICD 4–6 wks
Who might need what?
Dizziness/fainting from slow rate → Pacemaker
Prior cardiac arrest or high-risk arrhythmias → ICD
Heart failure + dyssynchrony → CRT-D (combo device)
💬 Bottom line: The right device depends on your condition, symptoms, and tests.
👨⚕️ Personalized device evaluation & follow-up at