A pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device that is implanted in the chest or abdomen to help control or increase the heartbeat. It sends electrical signals to the heart as needed to keep it beating regularly. Pacemakers can be used to treat some abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that can disrupt or endanger your life. They can stabilize abnormal heart rhythms and prevent problems that can disrupt or endanger your life. Pacemakers may be used for people who have heart problems that cause their heart to beat too slowly, a condition called bradycardia. Pacemakers can also be used to stop a heart rate that is too fast (tachycardia) or that is irregular. There are different types of pacemakers, including single chamber pacemakers, dual chamber pacemakers, and biventricular pacemakers. The type of pacemaker used depends on the specific heart condition being treated. Pacemakers are implanted through a surgical procedure and may have two parts: a pulse generator and leads. The pulse generator is a small metal box that controls the rate of electrical signals sent to the heart, while the leads are flexible wires that are placed in one or more chambers of the heart and deliver electrical signals to fix the heart rate. The pacemaker battery lasts about 6 to 15 years and needs to be checked regularly and replaced when necessary.