Atrial Pacing Burden (% Time Pacing): Explanation and Clinical Context Atrial Pacing Burden represents the percentage of time a patient’s atrium is paced by a pacemaker relative to the total number of heartbeats recorded. High atrial pacing burden has been associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation, heart failure progression, and potentially adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Clinically, quantifying atrial pacing burden allows physicians to optimize device programming and identify patients who may benefit from rhythm management strategies or pharmacological interventions.
Thresholds vary depending on patient population and pacemaker indications, but studies suggest that an atrial pacing burden above 40% is correlated with higher incidence of atrial fibrillation and worsening heart failure in patients with dual-chamber pacemakers.
Reference:
Sweeney MO, et al. Atrial pacing burden and risk of atrial fibrillation in pacemaker patients. Circulation. 2003;107:1950-1955. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.0000068332.88730.10