A patient with a history of cardiac arrhythmias may have which implanted device?

A patient with a history of cardiac arrhythmias may have which implanted device?

• A. Pacemaker
• B. Cochlear implant
• C. Gastric stimulator
• D. Total artificial heart

Answer: (A)

Electric devices implanted to manage abnormal heart rhythms work by delivering electrical stimulation to the heart to maintain a steady rate. A pacemaker is designed specifically to pace the heart when the natural impulse system is too slow or conducts poorly, as seen in conditions like sinus node dysfunction or AV block. This helps keep heart rate and rhythm within a normal range, addressing the underlying arrhythmia. The other options don’t regulate heart rhythm: a cochlear implant is for improving hearing, a gastric stimulator assists with gastric motility disorders, and a total artificial heart replaces the heart’s pumping function in severe heart failure rather than correcting rhythm.

Electric devices implanted to manage abnormal heart rhythms work by delivering electrical stimulation to the heart to maintain a steady rate. A pacemaker is designed specifically to pace the heart when the natural impulse system is too slow or conducts poorly, as seen in conditions like sinus node dysfunction or AV block. This helps keep heart rate and rhythm within a normal range, addressing the underlying arrhythmia.

The other options don’t regulate heart rhythm: a cochlear implant is for improving hearing, a gastric stimulator assists with gastric motility disorders, and a total artificial heart replaces the heart’s pumping function in severe heart failure rather than correcting rhythm.