Question

A pacemaker is used to correct: a. coronary artery disease b. cardiac arrhythmias c. heart murmurs d. hypertension

Short answer

b. cardiac arrhythmias

Step-by-step solution

Identify Each Condition

First, understand the conditions mentioned. Coronary artery disease involves blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. Cardiac arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats. Heart murmurs are unusual sounds heard during a heartbeat. Hypertension is high blood pressure.

Understand the Function of a Pacemaker

A pacemaker is a medical device that regulates the heartbeat. Its primary function is to maintain a proper heart rhythm by sending electrical impulses to the heart.

Match the Condition with the Function of the Pacemaker

Compare the conditions to the pacemaker's function. Since a pacemaker corrects irregular heartbeats, it is used to manage cardiac arrhythmias.

Key concepts

cardiac arrhythmias

Cardiac arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats. They occur when the electrical signals that coordinate the heart's beats don't work properly. This can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or erratically. There are various types of arrhythmias, including:

• Tachycardia: This is when the heart beats faster than normal.
• Bradycardia: This is when the heart beats slower than normal.
• Fibrillation: This is a rapid, irregular, and often chaotic heartbeat.

Arrhythmias can lead to symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, and palpitations. In severe cases, they may cause more serious complications, such as stroke or heart failure.

heart rhythm regulation

Heart rhythm regulation is the process of maintaining a consistent and normal heartbeat. The heart's rhythm is controlled by electrical signals that start in the sinoatrial (SA) node, located in the right atrium. These signals travel through the heart, prompting it to contract and pump blood.

Sometimes, the heart's natural pacemaker doesn't function correctly, which can lead to irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias. This is where medical intervention, such as a pacemaker, becomes critical. A pacemaker is a small device implanted in the chest to help manage these irregularities.

How Pacemakers Help:

• They send electrical impulses to the heart to ensure a proper rhythm.
• They can increase the heart rate if it is too slow.
• They can synchronize the heart's chambers to improve efficiency.

By doing so, pacemakers help prevent symptoms and complications associated with arrhythmias.

medical device

A pacemaker is a type of medical device used to regulate heart rhythm. It is typically implanted under the skin of the chest and connected to the heart with one or more leads (wires). The device monitors heart activity and provides electrical stimulation when it detects abnormal rhythms. Here are some key components and functions:

Components of a Pacemaker:

• Pulse Generator: This is the main part of the device that contains the battery and electronic circuitry.
• Leads: Wires that connect the pulse generator to the heart, allowing electrical impulses to be delivered.
• Electrodes: These are located at the ends of the leads and make contact with the heart tissue.

Functions of a Pacemaker:

• Continuously monitors the heart's electrical activity.
• Delivers electrical pulses to prompt a normal rhythm.
• Adapts to changes in activity by adjusting the heart rate accordingly.

Pacemakers are life-saving devices for individuals with severe arrhythmias. They help maintain a consistent heart rate, reducing symptoms and improving the overall quality of life.