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Chronotropic incompetence: a case report
P Vandergoten1, J Vijgen, P Timmermans
1Hartcentrum, Virga Jesse Ziekenhuis, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium.
Insights
Chronotropic incompetence, an inadequate heart rate response during exercise, is linked to adverse outcomes and coronary artery disease. Rate-responsive pacemakers effectively treat this condition, improving daily activities.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Chronotropic incompetence is defined as an inadequate heart rate response to exercise.
- Its incidence varies based on cardiac pathology and exercise testing parameters.
- Chronotropic incompetence is associated with adverse health outcomes, particularly coronary artery disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the impact of chronotropic incompetence on daily life.
- To demonstrate the efficacy of rate-responsive pacemakers in managing chronotropic incompetence.
Main Methods:
- This study is a case report.
- The report details the effects of chronotropic incompetence on a patient's daily activities.
- It also documents the amelioration of symptoms following pacemaker implantation.
Main Results:
- Chronotropic incompetence negatively affects daily activities.
- Implantation of a rate-responsive pacemaker successfully ameliorated the symptoms.
- Dual-sensor, adaptive pacemakers show superiority over single-sensor devices.
Conclusions:
- Chronotropic incompetence significantly impacts quality of life.
- Rate-responsive pacemakers are an effective treatment for chronotropic incompetence.
- Advanced pacemaker technology offers improved patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Chronotropic incompetence is generally defined as an inadequate heart rate response to exercise, but manifestations can vary. The incidence depends on underlying cardiac pathology and, to a lesser degree, on the cut-off value of the predicted heart rate during exercise. Different pathologies induce chronotropic incompetence. Its presence indicates an adverse outcome and is strongly correlated with coronary artery disease. Treatment consists of rate-responsive pacemakers; dual-sensor, adaptive pacemakers are superior to single-sensor, rate-augmenting pacemakers. This case report illustrates the negative effect of chronotropic incompetence on daily activities and its amelioration by implantation of a rate-responsive pacemaker. (c)2001 by CHF, Inc.
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