Pacemaker utilization during permanent atrial fibrillation in patients who received pacemaker implantation for sinus node dysfunction

Am J Cardiol. 2005 Oct 1;96(7):942-5. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2005.05.065.

Abstract

Patients who have pacemakers and sinus node dysfunction frequently have atrial fibrillation (AF). The need for continued pacemaker therapy after conversion to permanent AF remains uncertain. This study showed that, among 174 patients who received pacemaker implantation for sinus node dysfunction, 38% (n = 62) had the minimum intrinsic ventricular rate of >60 beats/min after conversion to AF. The pacemaker memory showed that 30 patients (18%) never used ventricular pacing during permanent AF. The study results suggest that patients who have a stable intrinsic ventricular rate during permanent AF by serial assessment may no longer need continued pacemaker therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Atrial Fibrillation / etiology*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / therapy
  • Atrioventricular Node / physiopathology
  • Electric Countershock
  • Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pacemaker, Artificial*
  • Sick Sinus Syndrome / complications
  • Sick Sinus Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Sick Sinus Syndrome / therapy*