Which of the following best characterizes the role of a pacemaker in managing cardiac rhythm?

The primary role of a pacemaker is to maintain steady heartbeats by ensuring that the heart's electrical activity is organized and coordinated, particularly in patients with arrhythmias or heart block. Pacemakers are designed to detect the heart's natural rhythm and, when necessary, deliver electrical impulses to stimulate the heart, prompting it to contract and maintain an appropriate heart rate. This function is crucial for ensuring that the heart pumps blood effectively, thereby supporting overall cardiovascular health.

While regulating blood pressure is important for overall cardiovascular health, it is not a direct function of a pacemaker. Blood pressure is influenced by various factors, including heart rate, vascular resistance, and overall heart function, but the pacemaker specifically targets the heart's rhythm. Similarly, the role of providing electrical stimulation is part of what a pacemaker does, but it is not solely limited to that; the primary goal is to maintain a stable heart rhythm. Monitoring oxygen levels is a function related to other medical devices and monitoring techniques, rather than the direct role of a pacemaker. Hence, focusing on steady heartbeats accurately captures the essence of what a pacemaker accomplishes.