Output and Threshold of Pacemakers


  • output is the amount of mA the machine sends to the wire
  • threshold is the minimum mA required to generate depolarization
    • in atrium: p wave
    • in ventricle: QRS
  • in cases where there is sensing but not capturing, output needs to be increased:

  • permanent pacemaker and temporary pacemakers differ
  • permanent pacemaker can adjust both time delivers (volts) and amplitude (mAmps)
  • temporary pacemaker can only adjust amplitude