Hemodynamic sequelae of idoventricular pacemaking in complete heart block

Systemic arterial and right heart pressure curves are reviewed in 3 patients with complete heart block. In all three the ventricles were driven by ventricular pacemakers so that the normal sequence of atrioventricular contraction was absent. Some of the hemodynamic consequences of such idioventricular pacemaking are reviewed, and the important role played by atrial systole in ventricular filling is emphasized.