What is a pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a small, battery‑powered device that is connected to the surface of the heart by tiny wire leads. The pacemaker detects whether or not the heart has naturally produced an electrical impulse. If an impulse is not produced, or if the rate of heartbeat is too slow, the pacemaker will produce an electrical impulse to start off or control the beat.
Pacemakers are described as either single‑chamber or dual‑chamber, depending on the way they are connected to the heart. Single‑chamber pacemakers are connected to either the upper chamber of the heart (atrium), or the lower chamber of the heart (ventricle). Dual‑chamber pacemakers are connected to both chambers of the heart. The choice of which type to use depends on the exact heart problem that the patient has.