R-R interval and modification of cardiac output following cardiac surgery: the importance of heart rate optimisation by external pace maker

Introduction Inadequate cardiac output is associated with poor outcome following cardiac surgery and is generally modified by use of inotropic agents, volume resuscitation and epicardial pacing. Although temporary epicardial pacing is frequently utilised post-cardiac surgery, the potential impact of determining the optimal R-R interval in the critically ill has largely been ignored. Echocardiography (Echo) has been used to optimise cardiac output by modifying pacing settings.