Crossword Genius

It helps to keep the beat (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pacemaker

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This clue might be a double definition.

'it helps' is the first definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'keep the beat' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pacemaker that I've seen before include "Device to regulate the heartbeat" , "Electrical device put in heart to stimulate pulse" , "leader at the start" , "(Device to act as) control of heart rhythm" , "Device correcting heart rhythms" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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