Cardiac pacing in Northern Ireland 1979-1988.

The implantation rate of cardiac pacemakers in Northern Ireland rose from 55.8 per million population in 1979 to over 180 per million in 1988, with the emergence of a second pacemaker implantation centre. However, the implantation rate in Northern Ireland remains less than that of many other countries. Over the period complete heart block fell as an indication from 45% to 34% and sinus node disease rose from 16% to 28%. Symptoms necessitating pacing remained unchanged, syncope being the most common. Ventricular demand pacemakers constituted a lower proportion of implants than anywhere else in the world and more atrial demand and dual chamber pacemakers were implanted than in most other countries. Insufficient patients are being referred for pacing in Northern Ireland but a high proportion of those who are referred receive modern sophisticated pacemakers.