Ten ICD recipients and family members share, in their own words, their unique journey of living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), cardiac arrhythmia, and for some, sudden cardiac arrest. These personal stories represent a diverse collection of experiences from many perspectives such as age, gender, culture, and diagnoses. These ten authors offer advice, encouragement, and hope to others living with similar experiences. The book also includes educational information and resources regarding ICD’s and advice from a clinical psychologist who specializes in helping ICD recipients and family members with emotional and psychological issues related to ICD implantation and cardiac arrhythmia. The book is an educational and support resource for anyone who has been touched by cardiac illness or ICD implantation. It also serves well for healthcare providers as it offers insight and understanding into the patients and families perspective after ICD implantation.

The book includes 13 first-hand accounts from women and men who are living life with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The book examines similarities and unique differences women and men face during diverse life stages with an ICD and cardiac disease diagnosis. General information about ICD’s is included along with expert advice from well-published doctors in the field of anxiety, fear, and depression after ICD implantation and ICD shock.