Learning more about your ICD can help you get back to your life with confidence.
Getting an ICD can feel overwhelming. You might need some time to learn about your device and how it impacts your health and activities.
What do I need to learn about living with an ICD?
Always work with your doctor to determine the best way to resume a normal lifestyle and get back to physical activities.
You should know what types of electrical or magnetic devices to keep away from your ICD. For some people, this won’t impact their lives in a significant way; others may need to give up certain recreational or professional activities. But keeping your device safe helps it work properly and give you the therapy you need when you need it.
Understanding your ICD can help you know what to do in different situations.
- Traveling
- Being around electronic or magnetic devices
- Getting an MRI
- Doing some physical activities
Patient resources
Medtronic has resources available to help you understand your device and get answers to the most frequently asked questions people have regarding living with an ICD and using remote monitoring with your ICD.
Get Heart Device Answers
Visit HeartDeviceAnswers.com, an interactive website full of questions and answers about living with a heart device.
Patient portal
For articles about Medtronic-specific ICDs, remote monitoring systems, and information about living with a Medtronic device, including:
- Remote monitoring FAQ
- Remote monitoring troubleshooting
- Remote monitoring returns
- Traveling with a Medtronic ICD
- Medtronic device FAQ
- Lifestyle with a Medtronic ICD
Brochures
Downloadable brochures for living with devices, understanding remote monitoring, and ICD electromagnetic compatibility.
Medtronic Heart on Facebook
Stay informed about the latest news and information about Medtronic heart devices.
Should I carry a patient device registration card?
We recommend that all Medtronic patients with an ICD carry an ID card in order to identify your device information in case of emergency. The ID card includes a toll-free number to contact Medtronic and helps maintain current and accurate information for your record.
Learn more about patient device registration cards or update an existing ID card here.
How do I contact Medtronic?
Medtronic patient services is here to help.
We’re available to provide general educational information about Medtronic devices and answer questions about our devices and therapies. As always, we encourage you to talk to your doctor about your unique medical condition and therapy management. If you have medical concerns or health symptoms, contact your doctor or healthcare professional. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Questions about your heart device
800-551-5544 (toll-free)
7 a.m.–6 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday
Questions about the CareLink™ network
(Monitor setup, transmission verification, troubleshooting)
800-929-4043 (toll-free)
8 a.m.–5 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
