About Wired for Life

Our Wired for Life® workshop is a free education and support program designed for people living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), those who may potentially receive an ICD and their loved ones. Sessions are offered online in a webinar format and in person at our Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Dallas location.

Led by experienced nurses from our electrophysiology department, this workshop offers practical guidance, encouragement and a sense of community for anyone adjusting to life with an ICD. You’ll learn how your device works, what to expect, and how to stay active and confident as you move forward.

Living confidently with your ICD

If you’ve experienced cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest, your ICD can be your life vest. It’s designed to protect you, and Wired for Life is here to help you feel secure, informed and empowered to not only return to daily activities but to live fully with an ICD.

It’s normal to feel anxious at first about returning to everyday life or managing your device. Wired for Life gives you the support and knowledge you need to replace uncertainty with understanding. We’ll address both the technical and emotional sides of living with an ICD, providing educational information and support from experienced electrophysiology nurses. 

What you'll learn in the workshop

Each session combines expert education with real-world stories and open discussion. You’ll learn directly from healthcare professionals and have the chance to connect with others who are living with an ICD and share similar experiences.

During each Wired for Life session, you and your support person will hear from registered nurses and others living with ICDs. The discussion is designed to make information easy to understand and apply.

Topics include:

  • Understanding your ICD and how it works
  • Managing cardiac conditions and lifestyle changes
  • Creating a personal shock plan
  • Returning to daily activities safely and confidently
  • Coping with emotional concerns and anxiety
  • Eating for a healthy heart

You’ll leave the session with practical tools, answers to your questions, and the reassurance that you’re not alone in your journey.

Who should attend

Whether you’re new to having an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or have had one for years, our Wired for Life program is made for you.

Wired for Life is open to anyone over the age of 18 who:

  • Is currently living with an ICD
  • Will potentially be receiving an ICD
  • Is a family member or caregiver of someone living with an ICD

Our team is here to help every ICD patient and family find information, encouragement and community.

What to expect

Wired for Life workshops are held as virtual webinars and as in-person classes at Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Dallas. 

With both virtual and in-person options, we make it easy to choose the format that works for your needs and schedule—whether that’s connecting in person or joining from the comfort of home. Each session lasts about an hour, and no special setup is needed if you join us virtually on your phone, laptop or tablet.

Sessions are led by registered nurses from our electrophysiology team and include open discussions, Q&A and stories from those with an ICD. The environment is relaxed and supportive—a place to learn, ask questions and share experiences with others who have been where you are.

How to register

Our Wired for Life workshops are offered quarterly, typically on Thursdays, and are free to attend. To register or learn more about upcoming sessions, visit our events page or call us at 1.844.600.2342.

On the events page, you’ll be able to select either the online webinar format or the in-person class at our Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Dallas location. If you register for our online webinar format, you’ll receive login details for the Zoom meeting at the email you provide during registration.  

Register for Wired for Life

More ways to care for your heart

When you’re on the path toward a healthier heart, it helps to have an expert team by your side. We’re here with the info you need to keep your heart healthy through every step. Explore more programs at Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital that can help you stay active, supported and informed.

Dogs of Cardiac Support

Our specially trained facility dogs bring comfort, support and joy to guests and staff. You’ll find these friendly teammates in areas throughout our hospitals, working alongside our team to provide healing for both the body and heart. 

Meet our facility dogs

Leap for Life

With Leap for Life, you have the power to live heart healthy. This virtual program is made for anyone at risk of heart disease and their loved ones. You’ll get practical guidance on nutrition, exercise, stress management and many other topics to reduce your risk for future heart problems.

Register for Leap for Life

Living for Zachary Heart Screenings

The Living for Zachary Heart Screening program protects young hearts and gives your family extra peace of mind through early detection. This special screening identifies heart abnormalities in youth ages 12–22 that could lead to sudden cardiac arrest—before symptoms appear.

Learn about Living for Zachary screenings