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Mechanism of pacemaker induced cough
1Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.
British Heart Journal
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Pacemaker syndrome can cause coughing. This study investigated a patient with a VVI pacemaker who experienced cough, suggesting a potential role for vagal receptors in the airways.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Single chamber ventricular pacing (VVI) is linked to pacemaker syndrome.
- Cough is an uncommon but documented symptom of pacemaker syndrome.
Observation:
- A patient with a VVI pacemaker presented with a cough during pacing.
- The cough was associated with a throat tickle and absent during normal sinus rhythm.
Findings:
- VVI pacing at 50 and 90 beats/min induced coughing.
- Coughing episodes decreased over time during pacing.
- The cough reflex was more pronounced when the patient was lying down.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential role for afferent vagal receptors in the airways in VVI pacing-induced cough.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanism.