[New indications for cardiac pacing].

Over the past decades, the pacemakers have become the standard treatment for patients with symptomatic sinus node disease or high grade atrioventricular block. With the development of pacemaker technology, attempts have been made to apply pacing to the treatment of problems other than symptomatic bradycardia. These problems include pacing to prevent atrial arrhythmia, improve hemodynamic function and to prevent neurocardiogenic syncope. The aim of modern pacing is not only reducing mortality but also improving quality of life and reducing morbidity. Ongoing studies will help to identify better the patient population that benefits most of this treatment.