The word "pace maker" (US English) or "pacemaker" (UK English) refers to a device that regulates the heartbeat. The spelling of the word is justified by the way it is pronounced, with the stress on the second syllable. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /ˈpeɪsmeɪkər/ in the US, and /ˈpeɪs ˌmeɪkə/ in the UK. The word "pace" refers to the speed or rate at which something moves, while "maker" refers to someone or something that creates, builds, or invents.
A pacemaker, in the medical context, is a small electronic device that is implanted in the chest or abdomen to help regulate and control the heartbeat. It is designed to assist individuals who have an irregular or slow heart rhythm (known as arrhythmia) by sending electrical impulses to the heart muscles to prompt a normal and steady rhythm. The pacemaker functions by monitoring the electrical signals produced by the heart and sending out electrical pulses that stimulate the heart to beat if it becomes too slow or if there is a pause in its natural rhythm.
Typically, a pacemaker consists of three major components: a pulse generator, one or more leads, and a programmer. The pulse generator is the main unit containing the battery and the electronic circuitry responsible for generating and delivering the electrical signals. Leads are thin, insulated wires that are threaded through a vein into the heart, providing a pathway for the electrical impulses to reach the heart's chambers. The programmer is a specialized device used by medical professionals to adjust the settings and monitor the functioning of the pacemaker.
Pacemakers are mainly used to treat conditions such as bradycardia (slow heart rate), tachycardia (fast heart rate), heart block, and other rhythm disorders. They work silently and autonomously within the body, constantly monitoring and adjusting the heart rate to ensure appropriate blood flow to the organs and tissues. Pacemakers have become increasingly sophisticated over time, offering various features such as rate-responsive pacing, dual-chamber pacing, and remote monitoring capabilities, enhancing their effectiveness and adaptability to different patient needs.
A fixed point in the wall of the cardiac auricles near the mouths of the great veins, where originates the stimulus exciting the normal heart beat.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pace maker" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "pace" and "maker".
The word "pace" originated from the Latin word "passus", meaning "step" or "pace". It later evolved in Old French as "pas", which also referred to a step or footfall.
The word "maker" is derived from the Old English word "macian", which meant "to make" or "to construct".
Thus, "pace maker" is a compound word that combines "pace", referring to a step or rhythm, with "maker", indicating something that constructs or creates. When combined, "pace maker" describes a device that produces rhythmic electrical impulses to regulate or maintain the pace or rhythm of the heart.