title: Beat-to-beat stability of implanted pacemakers.
abstract: A method of measuring and analyzing beat-to-beat interval stability of implanted pacemakers has been devised, and a number of normal and failing pacers have been studied in this way. It was seen that normal pacer rates were remarkably stable, but that abnormalities in beat-to-beat interval were found in 67.4% of all failing pacers. The abnormalities consisted primarily of excessive interval (rate) scatter, linear and cyclic fluctuation, and transients following application of a magnet. It is expected that in problem cases a beat-to-beat analysis will be of help in differentiating normal from abnormal pacer function, and will provide confirmation signs of pacer failure; it may also uncover unusual and heretofore unpredictable failure modes.
mesh_terms: D003201:Computers; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D013997:Time Factors