What charge does the anode of a pacemaker lead have?

In a pacemaker lead system, the anode is the positive electrode. When a pacemaker delivers an electrical impulse to stimulate the heart, the current flows from the positive electrode (anode) to the negative electrode (cathode). This movement of electrical charge stimulates heart tissue and initiates a heartbeat.

In pacemakers, the anode's role as the positive electrode is essential for the proper functioning of the device in creating electrical pulses that can evoke myocardial depolarization. The polarization of electrodes with distinct charges is crucial for the physiological process of pacing. Understanding this distinction is important for anyone studying cardiac pacing, as it underscores the need for proper lead placement and function in relation to cardiac electrical activity.