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[Incidence of atrial fibrillation in paced patients with complete atrioventricular block]

J Majewski1, J Lelakowski

  • 1Klinika Elektrokardiologii, Instytutu Kardiologii Collegium Medicum, Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego w Krakowie.

Przeglad Lekarski
|December 8, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Dual-chamber pacing (DDD/VDD) significantly reduces chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence in complete atrioventricular block patients compared to single-chamber VVI pacing.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Medical Devices

Context:

  • Complete atrioventricular block necessitates pacemaker implantation.
  • Pacemaker technology has evolved, with different pacing modes available.
  • Chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant complication in paced patients.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the incidence of chronic AF in patients paced for complete atrioventricular block.
  • To compare AF incidence across different pacemaker pacing modes (VVI, DDD, VDD).

Summary:

  • This study analyzed 130 patients with complete atrioventricular block who received pacemakers between 1990-1998.
  • Chronic AF developed in 19.2% of patients.
  • The incidence of AF was significantly higher in the VVI pacing group (30.3%) compared to DDD (4.17%) and VDD (3.33%) groups (p < 0.01).
  • Ventriculo-atrial conduction did not correlate with AF development.
  • Two strokes occurred in VVI-paced patients with chronic AF.

Impact:

  • Dual-chamber pacing (DDD/VDD) is associated with a significantly lower incidence of chronic AF compared to single-chamber VVI pacing in complete atrioventricular block.
  • These findings support the use of DDD or VDD pacing to mitigate AF risk in this patient population.
  • Understanding pacing mode impact on AF can guide clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.

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