pacemaker syndrome

Introduction

A complication that occurs during ventricular pacing in patients who have intact retrograde conduction between the ventricle & the atria.

Pathology

• retrograde conduction of ventricular impulse to atrium
• simultaneous contraction of atria & ventricles
• atria contract against closed tricuspid & mitral valves
• no atrial contribution to ventricular filling
• atrial enlargement

Clinical manifestations

• jugular venous distension
• hypotension
• lightheadedness
• feeling of neck fullness

Management

dual chamber pacing eliminates syndrome

More general terms

• syndrome
• heart disease (cardiac disease)

Additional terms

• cardiac pacemaker