What are the leads in a pacemaker responsible for?

The leads in a pacemaker play a crucial role as they are responsible for delivering electrical pulses directly to the heart tissue. This stimulation is essential for initiating and regulating the heart's rhythm, particularly in patients whose natural heart rate is too slow or irregular. The leads also serve as a connection to the implantable pulse generator (IPG), allowing for communication and the transfer of electrical signals from the IPG to the heart. This interplay enables the pacemaker to perform its primary function of maintaining an appropriate heart rate.

While other options may refer to important aspects of a pacemaker's function or installation, they do not capture the primary role of the leads in facilitating the electrical stimulation necessary for heart rhythm management.