The paced electrocardiogram: issues for the emergency physician

Since the first introduction of implantable pacemaker approximately 50 years ago, these devices have become increasingly more common and more complex. It is estimated that there are approximately 1 million patients with implanted pacemakers in the United States and, with an aging population, the number of pacemakers is certain to increase. This review focuses on basics of pacemaker function as well as the common rhythm disturbance issues and other clinical syndromes that the emergency physician is likely to encounter.