What is a Pacemaker?

A pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device implanted under the chest skin, near the collarbone. It consists of:

• A pulse generator – a small unit that houses the battery and electrical circuits.
• Leads (electrodes) – thin wires placed inside the heart to deliver electrical impulses.

The pacemaker monitors the heart’s electrical activity and sends electrical signals when needed to maintain a normal heart rhythm.

It is used to treat conditions such as:

• Bradycardia (slow heart rate) – when the heart beats too slowly to pump enough blood.
• Sick sinus syndrome – when the heart's natural pacemaker (sinus node) does not function properly.
• Heart block – when electrical signals between the heart’s chambers are delayed or blocked.
• Atrial fibrillation (AFib) with slow heart rate – to prevent excessively slow heartbeats caused by medication.
• Heart failure (in some cases) – to help improve the heart’s pumping ability.