What is a pacemaker?

A pacemaker is a small device, containing a battery and an electronic circuit, which is fitted into your body, usually at the shoulder.

 

 Image of a pacemaker.

It is then connected to your heart by one or more wires. If your heart rhythm is slow or abnormal, the pacemaker delivers electrical impulses to the heart to correct the rhythm.

Pacemakers may have one, two or three leads, depending on why you need it. This will be explained to you before the pacemaker is fitted.

A chest x-ray of a patient with a pacemaker.