Which condition is listed as an indication for a pacemaker?

Which condition is listed as an indication for a pacemaker?

• A. Heart transplant
• B. Aortic stenosis
• C. Pulmonary embolism
• D. Chronic kidney disease

Answer: (A)

Pacemakers are used to treat problematic slow heart rhythms and conduction block. In the context of heart transplantation, the new heart can develop bradyarrhythmias or high-degree AV block due to surgical factors or the early postoperative state. When such conduction disturbances occur, pacing is needed to maintain an adequate heart rate and perfusion, at least temporarily or permanently if the block persists. That makes heart transplant the scenario where a pacemaker becomes indicated. The other conditions are not approvals for pacing. Aortic stenosis is addressed with valve replacement, not pacing. Pulmonary embolism is an acute clot that’s managed with anticoagulation or thrombolysis, not a pacing indication. Chronic kidney disease by itself does not necessitate a pacemaker unless it causes a secondary rhythm problem, which is not the typical standard indication.

Pacemakers are used to treat problematic slow heart rhythms and conduction block. In the context of heart transplantation, the new heart can develop bradyarrhythmias or high-degree AV block due to surgical factors or the early postoperative state. When such conduction disturbances occur, pacing is needed to maintain an adequate heart rate and perfusion, at least temporarily or permanently if the block persists. That makes heart transplant the scenario where a pacemaker becomes indicated.

The other conditions are not approvals for pacing. Aortic stenosis is addressed with valve replacement, not pacing. Pulmonary embolism is an acute clot that’s managed with anticoagulation or thrombolysis, not a pacing indication. Chronic kidney disease by itself does not necessitate a pacemaker unless it causes a secondary rhythm problem, which is not the typical standard indication.