SA Node (pacemaker cells decreasing)

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Get help with your application

Use all the free resources available to you from SDN: articles, guides, expert advising, forums discussions, and school research.

Crew2Nursing

New Member
7+ Year Member
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
In one of my nursing text books it states that the number of pacemaker cells "decrease" in the heart (due to age - older adults) . Its states that the cardiac functions decrease due to calcification due to lipid accumulation and fibrosis. However, I seem to read in the material that the pacemaker cells are decreasing such as "disappearing". Is that what happens as we age?

I have seen physicians perform cardiac ablation procedures.
I also understand that certain drugs can effect the SA node, including certain diseases causing physiological changes.

But what would actually make the pacemaker cells (SA Node) decrease? Or am I not understanding what the book is meaning about decreasing?

Thank you for your time.
-Crew2Nursing