Artificial Pacemaker — ECG/EKG Terminology

Definition: A device that uses electrical impulses to regulate the heart rhythm or to reproduce that rhythm. An internal pacemaker has electrodes implanted into the heart.

Key Facts

• Implantable device that delivers timed electrical stimuli when intrinsic rhythm is inadequate.
• Can pace atrium, ventricle, or both depending on programmed mode.
• Capture, sensing, and mode behavior determine ECG appearance.

ECG Connection: Pacing spikes should be followed by expected depolarization; failure suggests capture or sensing issues.

Why It Matters: Recognizing pacemaker malfunction patterns is critical for rapid escalation.