[Incidence and risk indicators of thromboembolism during the acute phase of single chamber ventricular pacing].

BACKGROUND

The incidence of thromboembolism may be higher in single chamber ventricular pacing than in physiological pacing. However, the incidence of thromboembolism during the acute phase of single chamber ventricular pacing (within 14 days) is not known.

OBJECTIVES

The incidence and the risk indicators of thromboembolism were investigated during the acute phase of single chamber ventricular pacing.

METHODS

Fifty-five consecutive patients (22 males, 33 females, mean age 67 +/- 9 years) who required VVI pacemakers due to brady-tachy sick sinus syndrome (42 patients) or brady atrial fibrillation (13 patients) in the period from April 1975 to December 2000 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into groups with thromboembolism and without thromboembolism, and the risk indicators for thromboembolism were analyzed.

RESULTS

Seven patients (13%) suffered systemic thromboembolism. Three patients had thromboembolic events during temporary ventricular pacing, and four patients had thromboembolic events just after permanent VVI pacemaker implantation. The following risk indicators were identified in the patients with thromboembolism: hyperlipidemia, hypertension, organic heart disease (p < 0.05, respectively), and diabetes mellitus (p < 0.0005).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with brady-tachy sick sinus syndrome and brady atrial fibrillation have a significant risk of thromboembolism during the acute phase of single chamber ventricular pacing. Effective anticoagulation is needed in these patients.