Medically reviewed by Dr Pinakin V Parekh, General & Interventional Cardiologist (MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), GDFM (Singapore), FAMS (Singapore), FRCP (Glasgow)). Last Updated: 2026, 28 August
Founder & Medical Director of Trident Heart Centre
Dr Pinakin V Parekh is an interventional cardiologist in Singapore with over 20 years of experience in heart care. He specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of heaart diseases, including procedures such as angiogram and angioplasty.
An ICD is a small electronic device placed under the skin, usually in the upper chest.
It works by:
Treatment may include pacing the heart or delivering a controlled electrical shock if a life-threatening rhythm is detected. In simple terms, an ICD acts as a constant safety monitor for your heart.
Your doctor may recommend an ICD if you are at risk of serious heart rhythm problems that could lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
Common reasons include:
An ICD is often recommended when prevention of sudden cardiac events becomes a priority.
An ICD works continuously in the background.
Here’s what it does:
The device only activates when necessary. It does not interfere with normal heart function.
Although an ICD and pacemaker both support heart rhythm, they serve different purposes.
| ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) | Pacemaker | |
|---|---|---|
|
Main purpose
|
Prevent sudden cardiac arrest |
Treat slow heart rate |
|
Type of problem treated
|
Dangerous fast rhythms |
Slow or blocked heart rhythms |
|
Function
|
Monitors and delivers shock if needed |
Sends small electrical impulses to maintain heart rate |
|
Shock capability
|
Yes (life-saving shocks) |
No |
|
Patient risk level
|
High risk of life-threatening arrhythmia |
Slow heart rhythm or conduction issues |
|
Primary goal
|
Prevent sudden death |
Maintain normal heart rate |
ICD implantation is a minimally invasive procedure performed in a cardiac procedure room.
You may be advised to:
During implantation:
The procedure typically takes a few hours.
After implantation:
Yes. ICD implantation is a well-established and routinely performed procedure.
Like any procedure, there are small risks, such as:
Your doctor will explain your individual risk before the procedure.
If the ICD detects a dangerous heart rhythm, it may deliver a shock to restore normal rhythm.
Patients may experience:
It can feel unexpected, but it is often life-saving and only occurs when necessary. If a shock occurs, patients are usually advised to contact their doctor for review.
Recovery is usually straightforward:
In the first few days:
Over the next few weeks:
Most patients return to a full and active life after recovery.
You can usually:
You will also have regular follow-ups to ensure the device is working properly and to monitor battery life.
ICDs are powered by a battery that typically lasts 10 years, depending on usage.
When the battery runs low:
To provide greater convenience and reassurance after your Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) implantation, Trident Heart Centre also offers remote home monitoring options.
Remote monitoring allows your ICD data to be securely transmitted from home to your care team, helping monitor your heart rhythm, device performance, and any ICD activity more closely while reducing the need for frequent in-clinic visits.
Benefits of Remote ICD Monitoring
With remote monitoring support, patients can feel more reassured knowing their ICD and heart rhythm can continue to be monitored closely while they go about their normal daily activities.
No. The procedure is done under anaesthesia. Mild discomfort may occur during recovery but improves over time.
Most patients are aware of a small device under the skin initially, but it becomes less noticeable over time.
Only when a dangerous heart rhythm is detected. Many patients may never experience a shock.
Yes. Most patients return to normal, active lives after recovery.
It does not cure heart disease, but it significantly reduces the risk of sudden cardiac death.
Dr Pinakin uses current, evidence-based methods to carefully evaluate and treat heart conditions, helping you feel confident in your care.
Every patient is treated as an individual, with attention to your full health and lifestyle, not just the heart problem.
From assessment to treatment, screenings and procedures are conveniently coordinated in one place for a smoother, more reassuring experience.
