Bradyarrhythmias in the elderly.

Over the next decade, there will be a dramatic increase in the number of elderly people in the United States and in most parts of the world. With this increase, there will be an accompanying increase in patients with sinus node dysfunction and atrioventricular block; therefore, it will be essential for health care personnel to have a basic knowledge of bradyarrhythmias and the considerations required for managing these rhythms in elderly patients. In particular, comprehensive assessment before decisions on medical and device-based management is critical and must take into account social issues and the presence of comorbid conditions.