In AV sequential pacing, what is the primary goal of the pacing system?

In AV sequential pacing, what is the primary goal of the pacing system?

• A. To increase heart rate significantly
• B. To mimic normal conduction
• C. To shorten the cardiac cycle
• D. To act independently of the atria

Answer: (B)

In AV sequential pacing, the primary goal is to mimic normal conduction. This involves coordinating the electrical impulses that stimulate both the atria and ventricles in a manner that replicates the heart's natural rhythm. By stimulating the atria first and then the ventricles, AV sequential pacing ensures that the heart chambers contract in the proper sequence, which maximizes cardiac efficiency and improves blood flow to the body.

This approach helps maintain a synchronized heartbeat, allowing for optimal filling of the ventricles and enhancing overall cardiac output, similar to physiological conditions that occur when the body is operating normally. Achieving a rhythm that resembles that of a healthy heart is crucial for patients who may have conduction system disorders, where the natural electrical signals are disrupted.

Other options do not accurately represent the primary goal of AV sequential pacing; while increasing heart rate and shortening the cardiac cycle can have their own benefits in specific situations, the fundamental objective remains ensuring that the heart's electrical conduction mimics the physiological process. Additionally, while pacing can occur independently of the atria, the aim of AV pacing specifically is to use both components for coordinated function.