Chest, Vol 82, 461-465, Copyright © 1982 by American College of Chest Physicians

ARTICLES

Myopotential inhibition of unipolar lithium pacemakers

PA Levine, CH Caplan, MD Klein, SJ Brodsky and TJ Ryan

The effect of isometric upper extremity exercise on pacemaker function was evaluated in 27 patients who remained pacemaker-dependent during testing. Inhibition was demonstrated in eight (31 percent) of which five were symptomatic. Based on design of the sensing amplifier and return to an all-metal housing in the unipolar lithium pulse generators, myopotential inhibition is being recognized as one cause of symptomatic pacemaker inhibition that is more common than generally appreciated. A method of evaluation and management options for symptomatic patients are discussed. Routine testing of all patients should be performed at the time of a regular office evaluation. If one model pulse generator appears to be particularly prone to myopotential inhibition, this knowledge should be considered in the choice of future pacing systems.