APK4120 2/28

Pacemaker

A medical device that uses electrical impulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate.

Single Chamber Pacemaker

A type of pacemaker that has one lead and acts on either the right atrium or ventricle.

Dual Chamber Pacemaker

A type of pacemaker that has two leads and acts on both the atrium and ventricle.

SA Node

Sinoatrial node, the primary pacemaker of the heart located in the right atrium.

AV Block

A condition where the atrioventricular node fails to conduct impulses from the atria to the ventricles.

Pacemaker Coding

A system of letters used to specify the functions and capabilities of a pacemaker.

Chamber Paced (Pacemaker Code)

First letter in pacemaker code indicating which chamber is being stimulated. Options are A (atrium), V (ventricle), D (dual), O (none).

Chamber Sensed

Second letter in pacemaker code indicating which chamber is monitored for electrical activity.

Trigger

A function of the pacemaker that increases heart rate (T in pacemaker code).

Inhibit

A function of the pacemaker that decreases heart rate (I in pacemaker code).

Rate Responsive

A feature allowing the pacemaker to adapt heart rate according to the patient's activity level.

Fixed Rate Pacemaker

A pacemaker that provides a constant pacing rate regardless of the body’s needs.

(Automatic Internal Cardioverter Defibrillator) AICD

a device that provides defibrillation capabilities in addition to pacing.

Defibrillation

The delivery of a shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm in cases of irregular heartbeat.

Chronotropic Competency

The ability of the heart to properly adjust its rate according to the body’s demands.

Exercise Testing

A procedure used to assess the functionality and effectiveness of a pacemaker in a controlled environment.

RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion)

A method of measuring exercise intensity based on how hard a person feels they are working.

Bluetooth Technology (in Pacemakers)

Wireless technology enabling pacemakers to be reprogrammed and monitored without surgical intervention.

Shock Threshold

The predetermined heart rate set on an AICD at which defibrillation is triggered.