Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine
10:08

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine

Published on: February 17, 2018

Method of pacing does not affect the recurrence of syncope in carotid sinus syndrome

Christopher J McLeod1, Jane M Trusty, Sarah M Jenkins

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.

Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|May 3, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Pacemaker therapy effectively reduces syncope in carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH) patients. However, this study found no significant difference in effectiveness between VVI, DDDR, and DDDR with sudden bradycardia response (SBR) pacing modes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH) causes recurrent syncope.
  • Pacemaker therapy is a known treatment for symptomatic CSH.
  • Optimal pacemaker pacing modality for CSH remains undetermined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively compare three pacemaker pacing modalities: VVI, DDDR, and DDDR with sudden bradycardia response (SBR).
  • To evaluate the impact of these pacing methods on recurrent syncope and patient quality of life.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty-one symptomatic CSH patients were enrolled.
  • A double-blinded, sequential crossover design was used, with 6 months in each pacing mode (VVI, DDDR, DDDR with SBR).
  • Primary endpoints included recurrent syncopal events and quality of life (SF-36 scores).

Main Results:

  • All pacing modes significantly reduced syncopal and presyncopal events compared to baseline.
  • No significant difference in event reduction was observed between VVI, DDDR, and DDDR with SBR pacing.
  • Quality of life scores showed minor improvements with DDDR pacing but no method was superior.

Conclusions:

  • The study did not confirm the superiority of any single pacing modality over others for CSH.
  • DDDR pacing alone may offer some quality-of-life benefits.
  • Further research is needed to determine the optimal pacing strategy for CSH.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Optimization of Transesophageal Atrial Pacing to Assess Atrial Fibrillation Susceptibility in Mice08:05

Optimization of Transesophageal Atrial Pacing to Assess Atrial Fibrillation Susceptibility in Mice

Published on: June 29, 2022

Transesophageal Atrial Burst Pacing for Atrial Fibrillation Induction in Rats05:12

Transesophageal Atrial Burst Pacing for Atrial Fibrillation Induction in Rats

Published on: February 14, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Decreased pulse rate01:14

Decreased pulse rate

Bradycardia is a medical condition in which the heart rate is slower than normal. It occurs when the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinus node, generates slower electrical impulses than the standard rhythm. In adults, bradycardia is diagnosed when the pulse rate falls below 60 beats per minute, indicating a deviation from the normal heart rate range.
There are specific risk factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing bradycardia. Advanced age is a significant factor, with bradycardia...
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias01:25

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
Regulation of Pulse01:20

Regulation of Pulse

Pulse regulation involves physiological mechanisms that ensure adequate blood flow throughout the body. The heartbeat, regulated by the autonomic nervous system, is influenced by hormonal balance, physical activity, and emotional state.
Conduction System of the Heart01:19

Conduction System of the Heart

Autorhythmicity is a term that refers to the heart's inherent ability to generate electrical signals and instigate muscle contractions. This self-regulating conduction system within the heart consists of two key components: the pacemaker cells and specialized conducting cells.
The pacemaker cells are located in two primary nodes: the sinoatrial (SA) node and the atrioventricular (AV) node. The SA node pacemaker cells can autonomously depolarize, triggering an action potential that leads to the...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias01:16

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that lead to abnormal heartbeats. These irregularities can originate from different parts of the heart and are classified based on their origin and nature.
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism, and...
Pulse rhythm01:30

Pulse rhythm

Pulse rhythm refers to the pattern of pulsations within specific intervals, offering valuable insights into the regularity or irregularity of the heart's beats as observed through the pattern of pulsation within specific intervals. A regular pulse exhibits a consistent heart rate with uniform waveforms and pulsation force, variations of which can be classified as normal, weak, or bounding.
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac muscle...