Heart Rate

The Heart Beat

The natural resisting heart rate is controlled by a group of specialised cells that are found in the right atrium. This group of cells forms a structure that scientists call the pacemaker of the heart.

Pacemakers generate electrical signals that spread to the heart’s muscle cells, making the heart contract. So it regulates the heart rate.

Artificial pacemakers

In some cases, the pacemaker of the heart can stop working, so doctors can implant an artificial pacemaker in the patient.

An artificial pacemaker is a small electrical device that corrects irregularities in the heart rate. The pacemaker is placed just under the skin and it is connected to a wire that sends an electrical impulse to the heart. This helps the heart to contract regularly.