ICDs can also cause what are known as inappropriate shocks – instances where the device is erroneously activated.
“I was on holiday once in Antigua and the ICD picked up what it thought was my heartbeat going at 500 beats per minute, but it was actually the pool pump,” Taylor said.
“I was suddenly blown through the water and didn’t know what happened. After a few seconds I realised my device had gone off and thought I must be really unwell.
“You can do a mobile download – I put a device over my chest and then it sends all the info to my doctors, and they told me my heart was fine and it shouldn’t have gone off. I wasn’t aware that could even happen.”
Overall, though, Taylor’s ICD provides him with reassurance and allows him to feel confident playing sports like golf and padel.
“It’s a scary place to be when your life could change at any second,” he says.
“It can isolate you, because if it goes off you lose your independence. For example, you can’t drive because you lose your license for a certain amount of time.
“But I lead a great life and I use my coping mechanisms from being an international sportsman. You don’t always succeed, and have to be prepared for setbacks to keep yourself in a consistent headspace.”
