Can a pacemaker keep a person from dying?

A pacemaker can prevent death that might occur due to severe arrhythmia. When the heartbeat is irregular, too slow or too fast, the heart may fail to pump enough blood to vital body organs. A pacemaker regulates the heartbeat and prevents severe consequences, including death from arrhythmia.

The heart has its own electrical system that monitors and regulates the heartbeat. This system is comprised of electrical signals that spread from the sinoatrial node at the top and move to the bottom of the heart, resulting in a heartbeat, and it pumps blood to other parts of the body. When this system fails, it results in arrhythmia. A pacemaker is a mechanical device that replaces the heart's faulty system.