The heart's natural pacemaker is called the sinus node, also known as the sinoatrial (SA) node.
Understanding the Heart's Pacemaker
The sinus node is a small group of specialized cells located in the right atrium of the heart. It spontaneously generates electrical impulses that trigger the heart to beat. These impulses spread through the atria, causing them to contract and pump blood into the ventricles. This natural electrical activity is what keeps our heart beating rhythmically.
Several sources confirm this:
- The sinus node is sometimes called the heart's "natural pacemaker." [Reference: Various sources including StatPearls, Texas Heart Institute, and others.]
- The SA node sends electrical impulses at a certain rate, although your heart rate can still change due to various factors. [Reference: Texas Heart Institute]
While the term "pacemaker" commonly refers to the artificial device implanted to regulate heartbeat, the natural pacemaker within the heart is the sinus node. Artificial pacemakers are used when the sinus node malfunctions or doesn't generate sufficient electrical impulses to maintain a healthy heart rhythm. These artificial pacemakers can be of various types, including transcutaneous, transvenous, and leadless pacemakers, each with its own implantation method. [References: MedlinePlus, UpToDate, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine] They assist or replace the function of the sinus node.
Types of Pacemakers:
- Natural Pacemaker: The sinus node (SA node)
- Artificial Pacemakers: Various types exist, including those implanted through a leg vein (leadless) or surgically placed under the skin near the collarbone. Some, called biventricular pacemakers or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices, coordinate the contractions of both ventricles. [References: UpToDate, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, British Heart Foundation, NYU Langone Health]
