A pacemaker is a small device that is implanted in the chest or abdomen to help regulate the heart’s rhythm. It consists of a generator and one or more wires, called leads, that are placed in the heart. The generator sends out electrical signals to the heart through the leads, which help to regulate the heart’s rhythm and improve its pumping function.
Pacemakers are used to treat a variety of heart conditions, including bradycardia (a slow heart rate), tachycardia (a fast heart rate), and heart block (a problem with the electrical signals that coordinate the contractions of the heart). Pacemakers can be used in both adults and children, and are typically recommended for people who have symptoms of heart rhythm problems or who are at risk of developing such problems.
Pacemakers are typically implanted through a surgical procedure, and once in place, they can be programmed and adjusted using a device called a programmer. Pacemakers are usually very reliable and can last for many years, but they may need to be replaced at some point due to battery depletion or other issues.
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