RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The development of implantable technology for cardiac rhythm management remains one of the seminal achievements of the second half of the 20th century. The development of artificial pacemakers for the electrical control of the cardiac rhythm has greatly enhanced the physician's ability to treat cardiac dysrhythmias. An ageing population and the extension of indications will in all probability result in an increasing number of cardiac device implantations. OBJECTIVE OF STUDY: To study mortality and morbidity in patients with permanent pacemaker implantation at a tertiary care hospital in North India. MATERIAL ANDF METHODS: This was a two year prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Cardiology of Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana. This included a retrospective period of ten years from 1st July 2002 to 30th June 2012, and a prospective period of two years from 1st July 2012 to 31st July 2014. All patients admitted to Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, who received a permanent pacemaker for bradyarrhythmias were included in the study. A detailed analysis of demographic profile, indications, complications and mortality data was performed. RESULTS: A total of 323 patients were included in the study of which more than 75% of the patients receiving the pacemaker were in the age group 56-85 yrs. Males received more pacemakers than females. The commonest presenting symptom was syncope. Complete heart block was the commonest ECG finding. Acquired A-V block was the most common indication of pacing. VVI was the commonest mode of pacemaker implantation. Complications were seen in 3.72% patients. During the entire study period death occurred in 7.1% patients. CONCLUSIONS: Permanent pacemaker implantation is a relatively safe procedure with low complication rates and low mortality particularly in patients who have been on a regular follow up.
