A special information meeting for people living with an implantable cardiovertor defibrillator will take place in Galway on Saturday September 3.
The event will be hosted by Croi, the West of Ireland Heart and Stroke Charity, in conjunction with UHG's department of cardiology.
According to Croi, some 4,000 people in Ireland have implantable cardiovertor defibrillators, used to treat abnormal heart rhythms which are a leading cause of preventable sudden death.
The information morning will include presentations and questions and answers sessions from Dr Pat Nash (consultant cardiologist, Galway University Hospital ), Paul Nolan (leading ICD cardiac physiologist, Galway University Hospital ) and Denise Dunne (specialist cardiac physiotherapist, Croí ).
Croi says the meeting will be highly informative for anyone with an ICD and their family and friends who would like to know more.
Croí director of programmes and prevention nurse specialist, Irene Gibson, says a shock from an ICD can be lifesaving, but it can also affect a person’s quality of life and psychological state.
"You can live more confidently with an ICD by understanding more about the conditions that led to implantation, the device itself and what to expect after implantation, which is why this important educational event provides an excellent opportunity to listen to and interact with leading experts in this area. It is certainly guaranteed to be interesting, useful and practical for all in attendance."
This is the second year this event is being held at the Croí Heart and Stroke Centre. It starts at 10am.
Places for this free patient event are limited and must be reserved in advance by registering online at www.croi.ie/news/icd or by calling Croí on 091 544310. Places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is supported by an educational grant from Boston Scientific.
