An electrical device that helps control the beating of the heart is called?

A pacemaker is an electrical device specifically designed to regulate and control the heart's beating rhythm. It generates electrical impulses to prompt the heart to contract and maintain a normal heart rate, which is crucial for effective blood circulation throughout the body. Pacemakers are particularly beneficial for patients with arrhythmias, where the heart beats too slowly or irregularly.

The other options serve different medical functions. A defibrillator is used to deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm in cases of life-threatening arrhythmias. A wire mesh stent is typically used to hold open narrowed or blocked blood vessels, especially in coronary artery disease. A ventilator is a life-support machine that assists or takes over the breathing process for patients who are unable to breathe adequately on their own. Understanding these differences underscores why a pacemaker is the only option that aligns directly with the role of controlling the heart's pace.