A Pacemaker is a small, electronic device, which is battery-operated and placed under in the heart. The function of the pacemaker is to make the heart beat properly and regularly and at a normal rate. The pacemaker is put under the skin of the heart and assists in controlling the irregular heartbeat known as arrhythmia. The pacemaker sends electrical signals to the muscles of the heart to stimulate the ventricles (lower heart chambers) and maintain the heart rate. This device also helps in treating the following conditions:
- Bradycardia i.e. too slow heartbeat, which may occur due to the normal aging, when the heart muscles start getting weak. This may further lead to a heart attack or some other major heart problems.
- Tachycardia i.e. too fast heartbeat.
The problem of abnormal heart rate may arise due to some medications or because of certain other factors, however, the pacemaker can solve all these problems of abnormal heart rate even without knowing the exact cause. A pacemaker can be installed with minor surgery.