Most people have heard these terms used by doctors. Knowledge of these words will help you better understand how pacemakers and your heart work.

Arrhythmia

An abnormality in the rhythm of the heartbeat

Artificial Pacemaker

An electronic replacement for the natural pacemaker of the human body. It regulates the rhythm of the heart through small electrically transmitted impulses.

Demand Pacemaker

A type of artificial pacemaker that only activates its electric impulses when it senses an abnormal heartbeat.

Heart Block

An impairment of the flow of normal electric impulses to the heart muscle. This condition causes abnormal heart rhythm and limits the amount of blood (nourishment and oxygen supply) delivered to the body .

Natural Pacemaker

A mass of muscle cells known as the sinoatrial node located in the upper right section of the heart. It emits electrical impulses conducted by a series of fibrous heart muscles, causing the heart to contract rhythmically and propel the blood. This rhythmical contraction is the beat that can be felt when you place your hand on your chest or measure your pulse.

Programmable Pacemaker

Until recently, most pacemakers had a single fixed output rate. However the settings of St. Jude Medical's new variable pacemaker can be altered through RF waves from a programming device operated by your doctor. At the same time, your doctor is able to determine your pacemaker's condition, in particular, how much power is left in its internal battery. With this new variable pacemaker, heart rate and other settings can be altered to best suit your heart's condition without the need for pacemaker replacement.

Pulse

The expansion and contraction of blood vessels. In order to feel your pulse, you may place your finger on your artery.