Faulty electrical signaling in the heart causes arrhythmias. A
pacemaker uses low-energy electrical pulses to overcome this
faulty electrical signaling. Pacemakers can: Pacemakers also can
monitor and record your heart's electrical activity and heart
rhythm. Newer pacemakers can monitor your blood temperature,
breathing rate, and other factors and adjust your heart rate to
changes in your activity. Pacemakers can be temporary or
permanent. Temporary pacemakers are used to treat temporary
heartbeat problems, such as a slow heartbeat that's caused by a
heart attack, heart surgery, or an overdose of medicine.
Temporary pacemakers also are used during emergencies. They're
used until a permanent pacemaker can be implanted or until the
temporary condition goes away. If you have a temporary
pacemaker, you'll stay in a hospital as long as the device is in
place. Permanent pacemakers are used to control long-term heart
rhythm problems. This article mainly discusses permanent
pacemakers, unless stated otherwise. Doctor