Which device is primarily used to control heart rhythm?

Which device is primarily used to control heart rhythm?

• A. ICD
• B. Pacemaker
• C. External Defibrillator
• D. None of the above

Answer: (B)

A device that regulates heart rhythm does so by delivering timed electrical impulses to keep the heart beating at a steady rate. This is the core function of a pacemaker. It’s implanted and monitors heart activity, then provides pacing when the heart rate is too slow or the rhythm is irregular, which helps maintain adequate cardiac output during daily activities and exercise. Other devices serve different purposes. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator primarily detects dangerous fast rhythms and can deliver a shock to restore a normal rhythm, with pacing as a secondary capability in some models. A defibrillator used externally is for emergency treatment to reset the rhythm during a cardiac arrest or severe arrhythmia. Thus, for ongoing control of heart rhythm, the pacemaker is the most appropriate choice.

A device that regulates heart rhythm does so by delivering timed electrical impulses to keep the heart beating at a steady rate. This is the core function of a pacemaker. It’s implanted and monitors heart activity, then provides pacing when the heart rate is too slow or the rhythm is irregular, which helps maintain adequate cardiac output during daily activities and exercise.

Other devices serve different purposes. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator primarily detects dangerous fast rhythms and can deliver a shock to restore a normal rhythm, with pacing as a secondary capability in some models. A defibrillator used externally is for emergency treatment to reset the rhythm during a cardiac arrest or severe arrhythmia. Thus, for ongoing control of heart rhythm, the pacemaker is the most appropriate choice.