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Parts of a Pacemaker

An artificial pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device that is used to replace a faulty "natural" pacemaker. Some pacemakers are permanent (internal) while others are temporary (external). According to the American Heart Association (AHA), artificial pacemakers use batteries to transmit electrical impulses to the heart to help it pump as it should. An artificial pacemaker can help someone with an abnormal heart rhythm enjoy a more active lifestyle.

  1. Considerations

    • The heart's natural pacemaker is called a sinoatrial (SA) node or sinus node. The sinoatrial is a tiny collection of unique cells that sit in the upper chamber of the heart. It produces electrical impulses that make your heart beat. If the natural pacemaker becomes dysfunctional the heartbeat may become irregular, too quick or too slow. In addition, rhythm problems can develop because of a blockage of your heart's electrical pathways.

    Demand Pacemakers

    • The AHA says that most pacemakers are demand pacemakers. They have a sensing mode that turns the signal off when your heartbeat is above a certain level. When your heartbeat becomes sluggish the demand pacemaker automatically turns back on and is permitted to fire electrical signals.

    Parts of a Pacemaker

    • The two parts of an artificial pacemaker are the generator and wires (leads). The small battery-operated generator produces the electrical pulsations that arouse the heart and cause it to beat. In an internal pacemaker the generator is set under your skin through a tiny incision. It is connected to your heart with minute wires that are implanted with the generator. The electrical impulses move through these wires to your heart. They are timed to go off with regular frequency just as your heart's natural pacemaker would if it were functioning normally.

    Newer Features

    • According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) newer pacemakers are designed to monitor and record your heart's electrical activity and the rhythm of your heartbeat. Technologically advanced pacemakers can check your blood temperature, breathing rate, and other factors and modify your heart rate based on changes in your activity.

    Protective Features

    • Pacemakers have built-in features that guard against most types of interference that may be caused by other electrical devices. Common household appliances such as microwave ovens, televisions, radios, vacuum cleaners and hair dryers won't have any affect on your pacemaker.

      If you believe something is interfering with your artificial pacemaker, turn off the device, if possible, or just move away from the source of interference. Interference will not cause any permanent damage to your pacemaker.

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