[Survival and outcome after pacemaker implantation. Comparison of patients with sinus node syndrome, AV block and absolute bradyarrhythmia].

Survival chances of 2007 patients with pacemaker implantation were determined. For the group as a whole, five-year survival rate was 57%, ten-year survival rate 35%. The prognosis was significantly better in patients with sick-sinus syndrome than those with AV block or brady-arrhythmias. Those with sick-sinus syndrome had an expectancy which was comparable to that of the (age and sex matched) normal population, while those with brady-arrhythmia had a significantly worse ten-year survival rate (24.7%) compared with a normal population (47.8%), P less than 0.01. Since the survival rate in sick-sinus syndrome - with or without pacemaker - is not different to that of the normal population, improved quality of life by preventing symptoms should be balanced against the risk of pacemaker-produced complications when indications for pacemaker treatment are considered.