rate-responsive pacing
A pacing feature that automatically adjusts heart rate based on physiological sensors detecting patient activity or metabolic demand.
Full Definition
Rate-responsive pacing is an adaptive pacing function that modulates the pacing rate in response to physiological indicators of increased metabolic demand, such as physical activity, respiration rate, or minute ventilation. Modern devices use various sensors including accelerometers, minute ventilation sensors, or closed-loop stimulation to detect when the patient requires a higher heart rate. This feature is particularly beneficial for patients with chronotropic incompetence who cannot increase their intrinsic heart rate appropriately during exercise or stress.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as a compound modifier; may be abbreviated as RR in technical contexts.
In Context
- "Rate-responsive pacing was activated to improve the patient's exercise tolerance and quality of life." — Device programming documentation
- "The accelerometer-based rate-responsive pacing algorithm appropriately increased heart rate during treadmill testing." — Exercise stress test report