What does the pacemaker shock look like when it happens?

When a pacemaker delivers a shock, it typically appears as a brief, rapid spike on an electrocardiogram (ECG) or telemetry monitor. This spike may be accompanied by a sudden, noticeable contraction of the heart muscle. In some cases, the patient might feel a jolt or flutter in their chest, depending on the type of pacemaker and the specific circumstances of the shock. Overall, the visual representation is a sharp, distinct waveform change that indicates the device is functioning to restore a normal heart rhythm.