Doctor Decoded: What’s a Pacemaker?

To treat arrhythmia and other heart problems, your doctor may suggest a pacemaker. A pacemaker is a tiny device that a doctor implants under the collarbone. Tiny wires attach the device to the heart. These wires allow the pacemaker to electrically stimulate the heart to contract. Basically, it mimics the job of the sinoatrial node.

Pacemakers may sound intimidating, but the implantation is actually a minor surgery. Once it’s there, you can’t actually feel the pacing activity, just like you don’t feel your sinoatrial node at work. In many cases, a pacemaker only kicks in when your heart needs it (i.e., if it starts to beat irregularly).

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP

Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to practicing medicine, she worked as a management consultant.

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