Nordic Life Science 1
In a healthy heart a collection of nerve cells in
the right atria of the heart (known as the Sinoatrial node) emits impulses to the heart muscle so that it contracts itself and relaxes at a regular rate. If the Sinoatrial node is damaged and not working as it should the heart beats too slowly, irregularly, or in the worst case, not at all. Pacemakers use electrical impulses to regulate the beating of the heart. The device is battery-operated and consists of two parts; a generator and wires. The generator is a small battery-powered unit that produces the electrical impulses that stimulate the heart to beat. It may be implanted under the skin through a small incision, and it is connected to the heart through tiny wires that are implanted at the same time. The impulses flow through these leads to the heart and are timed to flow at regular intervals, just as impulses from your heart’s natural pacemaker would. Pacemakers treat disorders making the heart’s rhythm too slow, fast or irregular.