DEAR DR. GOTT: My husband is 72 and has had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator for seven years. Recently he was shocked seven times. It was a painful and traumatic experience. After two days in the hospital he was sent home on medicine. He is terrified of getting shocked again. My question is: when the heart is no longer able to function, will the device keep going off or at some time will it stop?

We know this device is a life saver but it seems like it could be extreme torture when its time to go. We are both faithful readers of your column.

DEAR READER: The purpose of a defibrillator is to prevent the heart from beating in too fast a pattern. I urge you and your husband to meet with his cardiologist who can answer your questions in more detail.
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