A comparison of digoxin, diltiazem and their combination in the treatment of atrial fibrillation

Fourteen patients (four females) with chronic atrial fibrillationwere entered into a randomized, double-blind crossover studyto compare the effects of treatment with diltiazem alone, digoxinalone, and a combination of diltiazem plus digoxin. The doseof digoxin was adjusted so as to achieve serum concentrationswithin the range 1.3–2.6 nmoll^–1 between six andeight hours after dosing. Four patients were withdrawn fromthe study; three patients experienced side effects while takingdiltiazem and one reverted to sinus rhythm while taking digoxin.Among the remaining 10 patients, mean heart rates were significantlylower during treatment with the combination of digoxin and diltiazemthan with digoxin alone both at rest, after exercise and duringambulatory ECG monitoring. Post-exercise heart rates were reducedby 15% with combination therapy when compared with digoxin alone(151.9 vs. 128.1 bpm), but there was no evidence that this reductionin ventricular rate was associated with improved exercise tolerance.The results suggest that further reduction of the rapid ventricularrates seen in digitalized patients with AF by the use of diltiazemdoes not appear to be of benefit in the majority of patients.     

静脉地尔硫治疗快速房颤、房扑的疗效分析

为检验静脉地尔硫艹卓控制房颤、房扑心室率的有效性和安全性，对４７例快速房颤、房扑患者一次静脉注射０．２５ｍｇ／ｋｇ地尔硫艹卓后以５ｍｇ／ｈ～１０ｍｇ／ｈ微泵维持，平均起效时间５．２±２．７ｍｉｎ，总有效率９３．６％，心功能较用药前明显改善（Ｐ＜０．０５），对血压无明显影响，副作用发生率为１０．６％，均不严重。结果提示地尔硫艹卓是一种能迅速、安全、有效控制房颤、房扑患者心室率的药物     

Effects of amiodarone and diltiazem on persistent atrial fibrillation conversion and recurrence rates: a randomized controlled study

Purpose: To assess the effects of amiodarone and diltiazem on atrial fibrillation (AF) induced atrial electrical remodeling and their clinical implications. Methods: Persistent AF patients were randomly assigned to three treatment groups over a period from 6 weeks before to 6 weeks after internal cardioversion: group A (35 patients, oral diltiazem), group B (34 patients, oral amiodarone) and group C (37 patients, no antiarrhythmic drugs). Several electrophysiological parameters were assessed 5 min and 24 h after cardioversion. Results: Compared with controls, group B patients had significantly higher conversion rates (83% vs. 100%, p = 0.041) and a higher probability to maintain sinus rhythm (p = 0.037). Patients of group B had longer fibrillatory cycle length intervals than patients of group A and C (180 ± 18 ms vs. 161 ± 17 ms vs. 164 ± 19 ms, p = 0.001) and longer atrial effective refractory periods (211 ± 22 ms vs. 198 ± 16 ms vs. 194 ± 17 ms, p = 0.003) as assessed 5 min after conversion. Post-conversion density of supraventricular ectopics was significantly lower in group B compared to groups A and C (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Oral amiodarone increases conversion rates, prolongs fibrillatory cycle length and atrial effective refractory period and preserves sinus rhythm after cardioversion in persistent AF patients by suppressing the atrial ectopics that trigger AF.     

静脉注射地尔硫与毛花甙-C控制快速房性心律失常心室率即时疗效和安全性的对比观察

目的　观察和比较静脉注射地尔硫、毛花甙C控制快速心房颤动 (房颤 )和心房扑动(房扑 )心室率的即时疗效及安全性。方法　 5 4例快速房颤或房扑患者 ,采用随机方式分两组 ,分别静脉注射地尔硫、毛花甙C。结果　地尔硫、毛花甙C组控制房颤或房扑的快速心室率总有效率分别为 :94 %、70 % ,心室率平均下降幅度分别为 :3 4%、2 3 % ,平均起效时间分别为 :( 7 1± 4 2 )分钟、( 3 2 8± 2 2 8)分钟。地尔硫组出现可耐受性低血压 2例 ,发生窦性停搏 1例 ,均自行缓解 ,无心力衰竭加重表现。结论　静脉注射地尔硫能迅速、安全、有效地控制房颤、房扑的快速心室率。     

Modulation of ventricular rate in permanent atrial fibrillation: Randomized,crossover study of the effects of slow-release formulations of gallopamil,diltiazem, or verapamil

Background: The management of permanent atrial fibrillation (PAF) consists primarily of long-term anticoagulation with either aspirin or warfarin to prevent systemic embolization, and modulation of ventricular rate (VR) to improve cardiac function by prolonging the ventricular diastolic filling time. Hypothesis: The effects of slow-release formulations of gallopamil (100 mg b.i.d.), diltiazem (120 mg bid.), or verapamil (120 mg b.i.d.) on VR were evaluated in 18 patients with PAF without organic heart disease. Methods: In all patients, each treatment was administered randomly, was compared with oral digoxin, and was assessed by 24-h Holter monitoring during daily life and by a 6-min walk ing test. Results: There were no significant differences in mean and minimum VR recorded during 24-h Holter monitoring among the four treatments. Peak heart rates recorded during the 6-min walking test with digoxin treatment was 167 ± 12 beats/min. This was significantly reduced by gallopamil (149 ± 23 beats/ min, p = 0.01), diltiazem (142 ± 4 beats/min, p< 0.001), and verapamil (137 ± 30 beats/min, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in peak VR during the walking test among the three calcium antagonists. Pauses of ≥ 3 s were observed in 3 of 18 (17%) patients who received digoxin (max 3.4 s) and in 5 of 18 (28%) patients who received diltiazem (max 3.4 s); p = NS. Periods of bradycardia < 30 beats/min were observed in 5 of 18 (28%) patients during digoxin treatment, and in 3 of 18(17%) patients during treatment with gallopamil, diltiazem, and verapamil; p = NS. Conclusion: Gallopamil, diltiazem, or verapamil are superior to digoxin in controlling VR during mild exercise in patients with PAF without organic heart disease. The reduction of peak VR is obtainable without further slowing of resting VR. However, gallopamil appears to be the least effective calcium blocker at controlling resting and exercise VR; thus, there are no advantages over the other calcium blockers in its use in the clinical setting.     

Population prevalence, incidence, and predictors of atrial fibrillation in the Renfrew/Paisley study

OBJECTIVES—Though atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important cause of cardiovascular morbidity, there are few large epidemiological studies of its prevalence, incidence, and risk factors. The epidemiological features of AF are described in one of the largest population cohorts ever studied.
METHODS—The prevalence and incidence of AF were studied in the Renfrew/Paisley population cohort of 15 406 men and women aged 45-64 years living in the west of Scotland. This cohort was initially screened between 1972 and 1976 and again between 1977 and 1979. Incident hospitalisations with AF in the 20 year period following initial screening were also studied.
RESULTS—The population prevalence of AF in this cohort was 6.5 cases/1000 examinations. Prevalence was higher in men and older subjects. In those who were rescreened, the four year incidence of AF was 0.54 cases/1000 person years. Radiological cardiomegaly was the most powerful predictor of new AF (adjusted odds ratio 14.0). During 20 year follow up, 3.5% of this cohort was discharged from hospital with a diagnosis of AF; the rate of incident hospitalisation for AF was 1.9 cases/1000 person years. Radiological cardiomegaly (adjusted odds ratio 1.46) and systolic blood pressure (adjusted odds ratio 2.1 for 169 mm Hg) were independent predictors of this outcome.
CONCLUSIONS—Data from one of the largest epidemiological studies ever undertaken confirm that AF has a large population prevalence and incidence, even in middle aged people. More important, it was shown that the long term incidence of hospitalisation related to AF is high and that two simple clinical measurements are highly predictive of incident AF. These findings have important implications for the prevention of AF.


Keywords: atrial fibrillation; epidemiology; systolic blood pressure; cardiac volume     

静脉注射美托洛尔控制持续性心房颤动时快速心室率的临床评价

目的观察美托洛尔静脉制剂用于控制持续性心房颤动时快速心室率的临床疗效和安全性。方法58例持续性心房颤动患者分别接受了静脉美托洛尔（A组）和去乙酰毛花苷（B组）治疗。结果两组患者治疗后心室率明显降低,A组31例,心室率平均下降39±16次/min,最大效应时间30min;B组27例,心室率平均下降30±9次/min,最大效应时间2h;两组患者用药前后血压无明显变化,所有患者未因药物的副作用而终止治疗。结论美托洛尔静脉制剂能迅速有效、安全地控制持续性心房颤动时快速心室率反应。     

Attenuation of reperfusion-induced ventricular fibrillation in the rat isolated hypertrophied heart by preischemic diltiazem treatment

Summary The ability of the calcium antagonist diltiazem to protect against reperfusion-induced arrhythmias in hypertrophied myocardium was studied. Hearts from normotensive and DOCA-salt hypertensive rats were Langendorff perfused and subjected to 10 minutes of stabilization, 10 minutes of left coronary artery occlusion, and 5 minutes of reperfusion. The incidence and duration of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) during reperfusion were determined and the effects of diltiazem or vehicle (given as a single bolus 3 minutes before coronary artery occlusion) were assessed in hypertrophied and normal hearts. In vehicle-treated (control) hypertrophied hearts, VF incidence was 91% compared with 67% in normal hearts, and the median duration of VF was 272 seconds (mean 207.4±32.3) compared with 27 seconds (mean 110.6±36.6; p<0.05), respectively, suggesting that reperfusion VF is more severe in hypertrophied hearts. In normal hearts, diltiazem 18 µg reduced VT incidence from 92% to 55%, reduced VF from 67% to 27%, and sustained VF from 42% to 9%. In hypertrophied hearts, 18 µg diltiazem reduced the VT incidence from 100% to 58%, reduced VF from 91% to 25% (p<0.01), and sustained VF from 82% to 8% (p<0.01). Median VF duration in this group was reduced to 0 seconds (p<0.05; mean 24.7±22.6). Diltiazem did not significantly affect heart rate or coronary flow rate decreases during ischemia. However, developed tension, at the onset of ischemia, was lower in diltiazem-treated groups than in the control groups. We suggest that the attenuation by diltiazem of reperfusion-induced arrhythmias observed in this model was related to an energy-sparing effect during ischemia. This study shows that diltiazem administered acutely before the onset of ischemia attenuates reperfusion-induced arrhythmias in the hypertrophied myocardium, despite its greater susceptibility to reperfusion-induced arrhythmias.     

替米沙坦预防高血压并阵发性房颤患者房颤复发的效果及机制

目的探讨替米沙坦预防高血压病并阵发性房颤患者房颤复发的效果及其作用机制。方法将186例高血压并阵发性房颤患者随机分为观察组91例和对照组95例,两组均口服胺碘酮,在此基础上观察组同时口服替米沙坦20-80 mg/d,均连续治疗6个月;两组血压控制不理想者均联用钙离子拮抗剂、β受体阻滞剂与利尿剂,但对照组停用和避免使用血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂和血管紧张素受体拮抗剂。随访6个月分别观察两组血压变化,房颤复发例数、发作次数、首次复发时间及左室舒张末内径（LVEDD）、左房内径（LAD）变化。结果两者治疗前后血压变化无显著差异;观察组6个月末房颤复发例数与次数均显著低于对照组、首次复发时间明显长于对照组;观察组6个月末LVEDD、LAD均显著小于对照组（P〈0.05）。结论替米沙坦可预防高血压病并阵发性房颤患者房颤复发,机制主要是抑制心房重构。     

慢性心房颤动伴晕厥患者心电图回顾性分析

目的 回顾性分析19例慢性心房颤动（房颤）伴晕厥患者的心电图及动态心电图资料，探讨心电图特点，以及与临床转归的重要关系。方法 分析两年来入组患者的心电资料及晕厥发作时的相关心电图。结果 全组19例患者，16例晕厥系房颤伴缓慢心室率引起，平时就有房颤伴二度房室阻滞的心电图表现；2例晕厥为突发室颤所致；1例晕厥原因不明。心率缓慢组脑梗死的发生率明显增多。结论 本文资料显示，房颤伴心室率缓慢的患者有较高的晕厥及脑梗死的发生危险，房颤是室颤发生的重要原因之一，提示房颤不是一种良性心律失常。     

A perspective on rate control in the treatment of atrial fibrillation

Until recently, the standard approach to therapy of atrial fibrillation (AF) in most cases was restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm (rhythm control). Although difficult to accomplish, and associated with potential serious adverse effects of antiarrhythmic agents, this therapeutic approach was influenced by the belief that rhythm control was associated with better survival, fewer symptoms, better exercise tolerance, lower risk of stroke, better quality of life, and absence of need for long-term anticoagulation. However, four clinical trials comparing rate control with rhythm control have failed to demonstrate these advantages, indicating that rate control should be considered a legitimate primary therapeutic option, particularly in patients at risk for stroke. Pursuit of rate or rhythm control should be decided on a case-by-case basis.     

Ambulatory blood pressure and risk of new‐onset atrial fibrillation in treated hypertensive patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of clinic and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) on the occurrence of new‐onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in treated hypertensive patients. We studied 2135 sequential treated hypertensive patients aged >40 years. During the follow‐up (mean 9.7 years, range 0.4–20 years), 116 events (new‐onset AF) occurred. In univariate analysis, clinic, daytime, nighttime, and 24‐h systolic BP were all significantly associated with increased risk of new‐onset AF, that is, hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) per 10 mm Hg increment 1.22 (1.11–1.35), 1.36 (1.21–1.53), 1.42 (1.29–1.57), and 1.42 (1.26–1.60), respectively. After adjustment for various covariates in multivariate analysis, clinic systolic BP was no longer associated with increased risk of new‐onset AF, whereas daytime, nighttime, and 24‐h systolic BP remained significantly associated with outcome, that is, hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) per 10 mm Hg increment 1.09 (0.97–1.23), 1.23 (1.10–1.39), 1.16 (1.03–1.31), and 1.22 (1.06–1.40), respectively. Daytime, nighttime, and 24‐h systolic BP are superior to clinic systolic BP in predicting new‐onset AF in treated hypertensive patients. Future studies are needed to evaluate whether a better control of ambulatory BP might be helpful in reducing the occurrence of new‐onset AF.     

Ibutilide: efficacy and safety in atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter in a general cardiology practice.

BACKGROUND: Published experience with ibutilide (IB) in randomized clinical trials reveals that conversion to sinus rhythm (SR) occurs in 31% of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and in 63% of patients with atrial flutter. HYPOTHESIS: The study was undertaken to test the efficacy and safety of IB in patients with AF and with atrial flutter and to compare them with those reported in previous studies. METHODS: In a general cardiology practice, 54 consecutive patients with AF or atrial flutter, no contraindication to IB, and a normal QTc interval, were treated with intravenous IB (0.4-2.0 mg). Duration of arrhythmia, left atrial (LA) size, ejection fraction (EF), time to conversion, QTc interval, and adverse drug events were determined. Patients were observed for a minimum of 6 h. Successful cardioversion was defined as arrhythmia termination within 6 h. RESULTS: Twenty-four of 34 (70.6%) patients with AF and 15 of 20 (75%) patients with atrial flutter converted to SR. Conversion of AF to SR was more likely to occur if duration of AF was approximately 96 h compared with > 96 h (81 vs. 17%, respectively; p = 0.006). The mean time to arrhythmia termination was 68.8 min. Left atrial size, determined by echocardiogram, was 44 +/- 13 mm in 43 patients. Patients with LA size approximately 45 mm had a conversion rate of 55% in both AF and flutter, compared with a conversion rate of 72% in patients with LA size < 45 mm. Ejection fraction was not a predictor of drug success. The QTc intervals were significantly prolonged after IB administration, with a mean change of 47.1 ms for successfully treated patients. Sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia occurred in one patient within 1 min of IB infusion, requiring electrical cardioversion to SR. This patient's serum electrolytes and QTc interval were normal prior to IB infusion; however, the QTc increased by 160 ms (from 387 to 547 ms) during drug infusion. No systemic or pulmonary emboli occurred. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of IB for conversion of AF to SR in this prospective observational study was considerably better than previously reported. Duration of AF remains an important predictor of conversion to SR. Complications are rare and without long-term adverse effects.     

Pacemaker prevention therapies for the control of drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: Atrial septal pacing has been shown to prevent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) refractory to drugs in patients without inappropriate bradycardia. This study assesses the effects of atrial septal pacing using new pacing algorithms designed to prevent the initiation or maintenance of PAF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eleven Medtronic AT500 and 6 Guidant Pulsar Max pacemakers were implanted. The incremental benefit of prevention pacing therapies was compared with DDDR pacing by analysis of pacemaker-stored electrograms, ambulatory electrocardiography, symptoms and quality of life questionnaires. RESULTS: Atrial septal pacing reduced AF burden by >50% in 13/17 patients (76.5%). Activation of a combined pacing algorithm (atrial pacing preference; atrial rate stabilization; and post mode-switch overdrive pacing) in patients with AT500 pacemakers produced a marginal reduction in AF burden (mean %AF 0.61 ON, 0.73 OFF, P=0.53 ns). Conversely in the Pulsar Max group when atrial pacing preference was activated, AF burden was slightly increased (mean %AF 5.84 ON, 3.73 OFF,P =0.13). Symptoms improved with atrial septal pacing but did not change when prevention algorithms were activated. CONCLUSION: Atrial septal pacing resulted in a marked improvement in AF burden and symptoms. Activation of specific prevention pacing algorithms provided more continuous atrial pacing but had limited and heterogeneous effects on AF burden.     

Determinants of a reduced heart rate variability in chronic atrial fibrillation

Background: We aimed to evaluate whether clinical factors, which influence heart rate variability (HRV) in the presence of undisturbed sinus rhythm, have any associations with HRV in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: One hundred ninety‐seven consecutive patients with permanent AF were included (122 males, 75 females, aged 64 ± 11 years, range 25–85). In each patient a 24‐hour electrocardiographic recording was performed and an HRV fraction (HRVF)—the index based on scatter plot numerical processing—was calculated. Additionally, standard HRV measures were analyzed. Reduced HRVF was defined as its value lower than lower normal limit. Demographic and clinical factors were examined for their association with a reduced HRVF by means of a univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The reduced HRVF was associated with advanced age, clinical diagnosis of a previous MI or dilated cardiomyopathy, presence of diabetes, depressed left ventricular function, NYHA class > II, treatment regimen, use of digoxin, diuretics or antiarrhythmic agents, nonuse of beta‐blockers, and increased heart rate. The independent determinants that sustained after multivariate analysis were: heart rate (per 10 bpm increase, odds ratio 2.77 [1.88–4.07]), age (per 5 years increase 1.43 [1.1–1.85]), depressed left ventricular EF (<30% vs higher 2.26 [1.19–4.31]), and presence of diabetes (3.45 [1.1–10.85]). The HRVF correlated moderately with standard HRV measures. This index showed also the strongest correlation with left ventricular ejection fraction. Conclusion: We concluded that advanced age, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, increased heart rate, and presence of diabetes are cofactors of a reduced HRV in AF patients. Thus, the determinants of heart rate variability in the presence of atrial fibrillation are the same as those in sinus rhythm. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(4):321–326     

Oral amiodarone increases the efficacy of direct-current cardioversion in restoration of sinus rhythm in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: Direct current cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation is one of the most widely used and effective treatments for the restoration of sinus rhythm, but may be hampered by a low success rate and a high percentage of early recurrence. Pre-treatment with amiodarone or a glucose-insulin-potassium solution could improve the efficacy of electrical cardioversion by reversing the partially depolarized diastolic potential of the subsidiary pacemakers in atrial fibrillation. In a controlled randomized study, we assessed the effectiveness of electrical cardioversion in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation after pre-treatment with amiodarone or potassium infusion and the efficacy of amiodarone in maintaining sinus rhythm after electrical cardioversion. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ninety-two patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (>2 weeks duration) were prospectively randomized into three matched groups: A (n=31, oral amiodarone 400 mg. day(-1)1 month before and 200 mg. day(-1)2 months after cardioversion), B (n=31, 180 mg. day(-1)oral diltiazem 1 month before and 2 months after cardioversion and 80 mmol potassium, 50 UI insulin in 500 ml 30% glucose solution 24 h before cardioversion) and C (n=30, control patients, 180 mg. day(-1)oral diltiazem 1 month before and 2 months after cardioversion). Before cardioversion all patients were under 4 weeks effective oral anticoagulant therapy (warfarin). Before electrical cardioversion, the rate of spontaneous conversion to sinus rhythm was higher in group A (25%) than groups B (6%) or C (3%) (P<0.005). Electrical cardioversion was more successful in group A (88%) than groups B (56%) or C (65%) (P<0.05), while the electrical thresholds for effective cardioversion were lower in group B than the other groups (P<0.05). Twenty-four hours after cardioversion, the early recurrence of atrial fibrillation was similar in the three groups (P=ns), while at 2 months the recurrence rate was lower in group A (32%) than groups B (56%) or C (52%) (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Pre-treatment with low-dose oral amiodarone, compared with oral diltiazem or glucose-insulin-potassium treatments, induces a significantly high percentage of instances of spontaneous conversion, increases electrical cardioversion efficacy and reduces atrial fibrillation recurrence.     

Combination therapy with diltiazem and propranolol: precipitation of congestive heart failure

Although congestive heart failure has been reported with the combination of a beta blocker and either verapamil or nifedipine, it has not previously been reported for combination therapy that includes diltiazem. The following case documents the occurrence of clinical congestive failure in a patient with baseline left ventricular dysfunction and severe angina pectoris. Although the patients had tolerated propranolol therapy for years without difficulty, and high-dose diltiazem monotherapy with an excellent clinical response, the combination of diltiazem and propranolol resulted in the development of congestive heart failure. Thus, although generally well tolerated, given the suitable scenario of reduced left ventricular function, the combination of diltiazem and a beta blocker may adversely affect left ventricular performance.     

Modifications in the evolution of the dominant frequency in ventricular fibrillation induced by amiodarone, diltiazem, and flecainide: An experimental study

In 22 anesthetized mongrel dogs, spectral methods were used to analyze the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) for the time course of the dominant frequency in ventricular fibrillation and its modifications under the influence of amiodarone, diltiazem, and flecainide. The ECG was recorded over 5 minutes after triggering ventricular fibrillation. Following A/D conversion and by applying the Fourier fast transform, the frequency spectrum of the signals was obtained. In group 1 (5 dogs), the ECGs were obtained without prior drug administration; group 2 (5 dogs) first received amiodarone, 5 mg/kg; group 3 (7 dogs) received diltiazem, 0.2 mg/kg; and group 4 (5 dogs) received flecainide, 2 mg/kg. All drugs were administered intravenously. An initial increase in the dominant frequency of ventricular fibrillation was found in the control group and also in the groups that received amiodarone, diltiazem, or flecainide. Diltiazem significantly increased the dominant frequency and diminished the arrhythmia-slowing process. Amiodarone and flecainide tended to diminish the dominant frequency.     

Prevalence of atrial fibrillation and stroke in paced patients without prior atrial fibrillation: A prospective study

Background: Several reports suggest that the incidence of stroke and atrial fibrillation is reduced in patients receiving physiologic pacemakers, compared with patients receiving a ventricular pacemaker. Hypothesis: The study was undertaken to address the impact of different pacing modalities on the incidence of stroke and atrial fibrillation. Methods: We prospectively analyzed 210 consecutive patients. Those with previous episodes of cerebral ischemia and/ or atrial fibrillation were excluded from the study. The study population included 100 patients paced for total atrioventricular (AV) block or second-degree AV block (type II Mobitz) and 110 patients paced for sick sinus syndrome (SSS). The pacing mode was randomized. All patients underwent a brain computed tomography (CT) scan at the date of enrollment and after 1 and 2 years. Patients were followed for 2 years, and the incidence of atrial fibrillation and stroke was evaluated. Results: The incidence of atrial fibrillation was 10% at 1 year and 11% at 2 years. Comparing the different pacing modalities, we reported an increase in the incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients receiving ventricular pacing (p<0.05). On the other hand, no difference was found between patients paced for AV block and those paced for SSS. At the end of follow-up, we reported 29 cases of cerebral ischemia: 9 patients had AV block while 20 had SSS (p<0.05). Comparing the different pacing modalities, there was an increase in the incidence of stroke in patients receiving ventricular pacing (p< 0.05). Conclusion: There was an increase in the incidence of stroke and atrial fibrillation in patients with ventricular pacing.