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Increasing daily heart rate to improve exercise capacity and reduce heart failure symptoms
Patients receiving a pacemaker to manage a slow heart rate, typically have their pacemakers programmed to a resting rate of approximately 60 beats per minute (bpm). However, there is limited data to support this practice. Many patients with pacemakers have features of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). In this study, we will ask a simple question;does increasing the resting pacing rate, improve exercise tolerance, symptoms, and heart function in patients with HFpEF. This study will compare elevated pacing rate versus standard pacing rates in patients with an existing pacemaker and evidence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Our aims are to assess the effect of pacing rate on exercise tolerance, heart failure symptoms, cardiac structure and arrhythmia episodes over 1-year follow-up. The findings of this study will directly inform clinical practice, by providing objective evidence regarding optimal baseline pacing rate for the increasing number of patients who require pacing.
Last updated12 March 2024