Patients who meet the criteria for an ICD are at higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). An ICD is implanted to help protect against this risk. Without an ICD, a life-threatening arrhythmia such as ventricular fibrillation may not be treated in time for the person to survive. You should discuss the risks of not having an ICD with your cardiologist or electrophysiologist, who can explain the benefits in the context of your specific condition.
