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[Permanent pacemaker therapy in a community with many elderly people]
I Inoue1, A Takanashi, T Inoue
1Department of Internal Medicine, Futami Central Hospital.
Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi. Japanese Journal of Geriatrics
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Permanent pacemakers significantly improve symptoms and reduce mortality in elderly patients. This study highlights their effectiveness in enhancing quality of life and return to work for this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Elderly populations are growing, necessitating evaluation of medical interventions in this demographic.
- Permanent pacemaker implantation is a common procedure, but its utility in older adults requires specific assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical characteristics, pacemaker use, outcomes, and quality of life in elderly patients receiving permanent pacemakers.
- To determine the effectiveness of permanent pacemakers in managing conditions like syncope and bradycardia in an aging population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 116 patients, predominantly elderly (88.8% >65 years), underwent permanent pacemaker implantation.
- Clinical data, pacemaker characteristics, and patient-reported quality of life were assessed during a mean follow-up of 26.1 months.
Main Results:
- Syncope was the primary pre-implantation symptom, with 35% requiring emergency care.
- Sick sinus syndrome and complete AV block were prevalent; physiological pacing modes increased over time.
- Significant symptom improvement (NYHA class 3 to 1) and a low mortality rate (4 deaths) were observed; 72.5% returned to work.
Conclusions:
- Permanent pacemakers are highly effective in improving symptoms and reducing mortality in elderly patients.
- Pacemaker implantation enhances quality of life and functional capacity in older individuals with cardiac conditions.