A pacemaker stops functioning when a person dies.
Here's why:
- Pacemakers rely on a battery: They are powered by a battery that has a limited lifespan. Once the battery dies, the pacemaker stops working.
- Pacemakers are designed to regulate heart rhythm: They are implanted to control the heart's rhythm and ensure it beats at a regular pace. When a person dies, the heart stops beating, and the pacemaker is no longer needed.
- Pacemakers do not have a "death detection" feature: They do not have sensors that can detect death and automatically shut off.
While a pacemaker will no longer be active after death, it may remain in place. It's important to inform the funeral home or crematorium about the presence of a pacemaker, as it may need to be removed before cremation.
