A defibrillator is a machine that helps to treat any problems in the rhythm of the heart, which could otherwise lead to life threatening conditions such as cardiac arrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation and more.
There are different types of defibrillators available in the market, so before you decide to buy one, you should understand how each type works and what would suit your needs best.
What Is A Defibrillator
A defibrillator is a type of machine that creates a shock effect in the heart in order to bring back its normal rhythmic pattern.
In most cases of heart problem and failure, a patient either suffers a heart attack or a sudden cardiac arrest. A heart attack happens when the arteries are clogged, while a sudden cardiac arrest happens when the muscle of the heart is not able to pump blood to other parts of the body. Using the defibrillator helps the heart retain its normal rhythm and prevents the condition from turning fatal.
Types Of Defibrillator
There are mainly two types of defibrillators:
- Automated Electrical Defibrillator: It is the type that can be used by those who are not technically trained in the study of medicine and do not have particular knowledge of how to operate medical equipment. This type of defibrillator can automatically detect when a patient needs shock treatment to the heart, in order to set its rhythm back to its regular pattern.
- Implanted Defibrillator: It is the type that is implanted inside the heart and helps the doctor monitor the heart, to ensure that it is able to maintain its proper rhythm and beats properly. It is usually used for those who have a chronic condition and do not want to stay in a hospital.
Price Factor When Buying An Automated Electrical Defibrillator Versus An Implanted Defibrillator
An automated electrical defibrillator is more popular for those who want to stay at home and receive heart care, instead of being hospitalized. It is also especially good for those who do not have a medical background but still need to be able to operate it. Automated electrical defibrillators are made by a large number of companies and are more easily available. As a result, you can always get them at good price deals.
In comparison, an implanted defibrillator is extremely expensive.
Things To Keep In Mind While Buying A Defibrillator
- Check the ease of use to make sure that you are able to use it even if you do not have any special training for the same. Some defibrillators require training while others require none, so make sure you understand the type of model you are going for, especially if you are a home user.
- The warranty can range from anywhere between 3 to 10 years, so check accordingly.
- Most defibrillators come with a self-check feature, which means that you do not have to constantly check it for effectiveness while it is not in use. Make sure that it has a warning feature that allows you to immediately know when you need to get any maintenance done.
- Try getting something that is light weight and more compact, as it will be easier to handle.
- Some defibrillators, not all, offer the option of using rechargeable batteries, but these can also be more expensive. If you are looking for a defibrillator for home use, you may skip the rechargeable battery option, as you will not use it too much to exhaust the batteries. In comparison, a rechargeable battery option will be more suited for a medical facility.
A defibrillator has a life-saving function, so make sure you do your research well and make a final decision only after going through each and every point in detail.
