---
title: "What Is Cardiac pacemaker? TENS and Pain Glossary"
description: "A cardiac pacemaker is an implanted device that uses low-energy electrical pulses to control heart rate and rhythm."
url: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/cardiac-pacemaker
publisher: Analgesic Healthcare
phone: +1-800-749-1188
contact: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/contact
---

Safety

# Cardiac pacemaker

A cardiac pacemaker is an implanted device that uses low-energy electrical pulses to control heart rate and rhythm. The NHS and University of Iowa say not to use TENS with one.

NHLBI says pacemakers use low-energy electrical pulses to control the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat. The NHS lists having a pacemaker as a reason not to use TENS. University of Iowa Health Care lists a cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator and says electronic equipment, such as EKG monitors and alarms, may not work the right way when TENS is in use. If you have a pacemaker, talk with your doctor before any TENS use. This is a [contraindication](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/contraindication) and a type of [implanted medical device](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/implanted-medical-device) concern. Read the [TENS unit safety guide](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/guides/tens-unit-safety).

## Related terms

-   [Contraindication](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/contraindication)
-   [Implanted medical device](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/implanted-medical-device)
-   [TENS unit](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/tens-unit)
-   [Skin irritation](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/skin-irritation)

## Sources

1.  [NHLBI: Pacemakers, How They Work](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/pacemakers/how-it-works)
2.  [NHS: TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulation-tens/)
3.  [University of Iowa Health Care: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS)](https://uihc.org/health-topics/transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulator-tens)

## Questions about your unit or a bill?

Call toll free. For customer care, ask for extension 508.

[Call (800) 749-1188](tel:+1-800-749-1188)[Pay invoice](https://ahcpatientservices.com/)