title: Why not simple ventricular pacing? The hemodynamics of cardiac pacing for noncardiologists.
abstract: For many years, cardiac pacing consisted primarily of implanting and following fixed-rate ventricular systems. While this mode of pacing restored a more acceptable rate and in fact reduced mortality, prevented syncope, and brought clinical improvement in patients with acquired complete heart block, that it often failed to restore the degree of wellness provided by the normal electrical conduction sequence became increasingly apparent. This paper contrasts normal cardiac mechanics to those of simple ventricular pacing, making clear why clinical outcome with the latter is often disappointing. An approach to selecting pacing modes for specific abnormalities is outlined. The legitimate role of simple ventricular pacing continues to diminish as physicians turn to more hemodynamically efficient atrial and dual chamber pacing with sensor-mediated rate modulation where appropriate.
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Associates, P.A., Jackson.
authors.forename: F E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Fyke
mesh_terms: D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000502:physiology; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D016276:Ventricular Function / Q000502:physiology