Survival rates after pacemaker implantation: a study of patients paced for sick sinus syndrome and atrioventricular

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Published on: February 28, 2012

R Zanini1, A Facchinetti, G Gallo

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy.

Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|July 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Patients with Sick Sinus Syndrome (SSS) requiring pacemakers show a trend towards higher survival rates compared to those with atrioventricular block (AVB). Age and pacing mode significantly influence survival in pacemaker patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Statistics

Background:

  • Pacemaker implantation is a common procedure for managing cardiac rhythm disorders.
  • The long-term prognosis and survival rates for patients paced for atrioventricular block (AVB) versus Sick Sinus Syndrome (SSS) remain controversial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the survival rates of patients with AVB versus SSS who underwent pacemaker implantation.
  • To identify factors influencing mortality and survival patterns in these patient groups.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 962 AVB patients and 283 SSS patients implanted between 1968 and 1986.
  • Survival rates calculated using the actuarial method; differences assessed with the Logrank test.
  • Multivariate discriminant analysis used to evaluate influencing factors on mortality.

Main Results:

  • Sick Sinus Syndrome patients demonstrated a higher survival rate than AVB patients, approaching statistical significance.
  • Age at implantation and pacing mode were the primary determinants of survival.
  • Underlying heart disease had a minor influence, while the electrophysiological indication for pacing did not significantly affect survival.

Conclusions:

  • Pacemaker recipients with SSS generally have a better survival outlook than those with AVB.
  • Patient age and the type of pacing mode are critical prognostic indicators, underscoring the importance of personalized pacing strategies.

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