Electrocardiographic alterations after chronic right ventricular apical pacing in patients with sinus node dysfunction.

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential to induce electrical remodeling by chronic right ventricular apical (RVA) in patients with sinus node dysfunction. Methods: Ninety-two patients with sinus node dysfunction who underwent initial pacemaker implantation were included in the study. During routine clinic visits, electrocardiograms and echocardiograms were recorded. Forty-five patients were also studied as controls. Results: During a mean follow-up time of 3.3 ± 0.5 years, the intrinsic QRS duration increased from 87 ± 9 milliseconds before device implantation to 94 ± 10 milliseconds (P < .001). The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter increased from 46 ± 3 to 50 ± 4 mm (P < .001), and the left ventricular ejection fraction decreased from 63% ± 4% to 57% ± 5% (P < .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that elderly age at the time of pacemaker implantation (odds ratio [OR], 3.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-10.90; P = .04), RVA pacing (OR, 3.91; 95% CI, 1.10-13.89; P = .03), and coronary artery disease (OR, 7.33; 95% CI, 1.09-50.29; P = .04) were independent predictors of the prolongation of intrinsic QRS duration. Conclusions: The present study indicated that chronic RVA pacing may lead to a prolongation of intrinsic QRS duration, which could be independently predicted by elderly age, chronic RVA pacing, and the presence of coronary artery disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]