Why do children need a pacemaker?

Also known as: ICD, implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

A child may need a pediatric pacemaker if he or she has an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia). Historically, pacemakers have steadied the heart rate while implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) shocked the heart during dangerous arrhythmias; however, newer pacemakers can perform both functions.

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Reviewed by: Michael Manuel Lopez, MD

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM