[Cardiac pacing in sinus node disease (author's transl)].

In sinus node disease, cardiac pacing is used as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. The assessment of sinus node recovery time by means of rapid atrial pacing and sino-atrial conduction time by means of premature atrial stimulation, are the methods usually utilized in the diagnosis of sino-atrial dysfunctions. Theoretical and practical limitations however induce to careful evaluation of the results. Heart pacing is also useful for the treatment of sino-atrial dysfunctions. However, criteria for pacemaker implantation in these conditions are still lacking and the type of pacemaker indicated is not defined yet. At present, the accurate clinical investigation of the patient still remains the best guide to therapeutical approach.