Relation of long-term electronic cardiac pacing to mental status and adaptation in the institutional aged

The long-term effects of cardiac pacemakers on the mental status and adjustment of an aged population were investigated. In an institution for the aged, 25 residents (average age, 85) in whom pacemakers had been implanted for an average of 53 months were compared to 18 residents of the same age and sex who had a slow heart rate. A semistructured interview was given to determine mental status, affective condition, perceived health, and other concerns. Cardiac status was rated for all subjects according to the criteria of the New York Heart Association. By the measures of adjustment and mental status, no differences were found between pacemaker patients and those with a slow heart rate. Cardiac status was somewhat poorer in the pacemaker group. When comparison was made between the pacemaker patients with uncompromised or only slightly compromised cardiac status and subjects with a slow heart rate and similar cardiac status, no significant differences were found in the foregoing measures. These findings suggest that although there may be changes in functioning in the acute phase following implantation of a pacemaker, there are no long-term effects on adjustment in subjects of advanced age. Adaptation in an institution for the aged may be more related to personality factors than to specific health problems.