DDDR pacing results in left ventricular asynchrony with preservation of ejection fraction and NT-proBNP: a...

Desynchronization induced by right ventricular pacing may increase the risk for heart failure. We aimed to compare left ventricular (LV) function, synchrony and left atrial size along with NT-proBNP levels, in 2 different modes of pacing: AAIR versus DDDR. This was a prospective study of 60 patients with sick sinus syndrome, preserved LV function and normal atrioventricular conduction. Each pacing mode lasted at least 2 months, in every patient, after which period every patient was switched to the alternate pacing mode. Intraventricular asychrony was assessed by: 1) M-Mode septal-to-posterior wall motion delay (SPWMD), and 2) Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) septal to lateral delay. NT-proBNP was measured at the end of each pacing mode. LV ejection fraction and left atrial diameter were not different in the 2 pacing modes, although asynchrony was induced in the DDDR arm (p<0.001 for TDI). NT-proBNP was lower in the DDDR compared to the AAIR mode (p=0.003, F=9.64). The NT-proBNP was inversely correlated to LV ejection fraction in the DDDR mode (p=0.0001, R=-0.75), whilst it was significantly correlated to the TDI septal-lateral delay and SPWMD (p=0.007, R=0.4 and p=0.002, R=0.5) in the AAIR mode. In conclusion in sick sinus syndrome with preserved LV function the DDDR mode does not compromise LV systolic function although it causes asynchrony. The NT-proBNP is lower when the right ventricle is paced, is inversely related to LV function and it is related to the degree of LV synchronization in the AAIR mode.