Question

Which of the following is used to normalize low-level heartbeats?
A) Vascular grafts
B) Intra-aortic balloon pump
C) Pacemaker
D) All of the above

Answer 1

Heartbeat is referred to as the pulsation of the heart. Heart rates can vary from person to person. A normal heartbeat is sixty to a hundred beats per minute. When the heartbeat is greater than hundred beats per minute it is called tachycardia whereas when the heartbeat is less than sixty beats per minute it is called bradycardia.

Complete answer:
Tachycardia, as well as bradycardia, can be indicators of an underlying health condition. Heartbeats depend on the person's age as well as overall health.

Let us analyze the given options:
A) Vascular grafts are used on either damaged or diseased blood vessels when there is a need to redirect blood flow by replacing the blood vessel. Hence, they cannot be used to normalize low-level heartbeats.
B) An intra-aortic balloon pump is a type of therapeutic device that helps the heart to pump more blood. It is required if the heart is unable to pump enough blood for the body. It comprises a thin, flexible tube called a catheter, which means that an intra-aortic balloon pump also cannot be used to normalize low-level heartbeats.
C) A pacemaker is a small device that is placed under the skin in the chest to help control the heartbeat. It is used to maintain the heartbeat more regularly if there is an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia. Implanting a pacemaker in the chest is a surgical procedure.

Therefore, the correct option is ‘C’ i.e, ‘Pacemaker’

Note: Pacemakers can be implanted either temporarily in order to treat a slow heartbeat after a heart attack, surgery or for medication overdose. Or they can be implanted permanently to correct a slow or irregular heartbeat and also to help treat heart failure. If the person experiences bradycardia or tachycardia it can lead to potentially serious health complications like blood clots, heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest.