What is a permanent pacemaker?
A permanent pacemaker, a small device that is implanted under the skin (most often in the shoulder area just under the collarbone), sends electrical signals to start or regulate a slow heartbeat. A permanent pacemaker may be used to make the heartbeat if the heart’s natural pacemaker (the SA node) is not functioning properly and has developed an abnormal heart rate or rhythm, or if the electrical pathways are blocked.What is an implantable converter defibrillator (ICD)? An implantable converter defibrillator (ICD) is a small device, similar to a pacemaker, that is implanted under the skin, most often in the shoulder area just under the collarbone. An ICD senses the rate of the heartbeat. When the heart rate exceeds a rate programmed into the device, it delivers a small electrical shock to the heart to slow the heart rate. Many newer ICDs can also function as a pacemaker by delivering an electrical signal to regulate a heart rate that is too slow.What is the reason for getting a pacemak
