Pacemakers (Temporary and Permanent), Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs), and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Abstract

Cardiac output is dependent on normal mechanical function of the heart, which in turn is dependent on normal functioning of the cardiac conduction system. When derangements of cardiac conduction occur, this can result in poor cardiac output acutely as well as poor cardiac reserve chronically. These derangements can occur as a result of bradyarrhythmia, tachyarrhythmia, or electrical dyssynchrony (atrioventricular [AV] or interventricular) of the heart.