Dual Chamber Versus Single Chamber Cardiac Pacing in People 80 Years of Age and Older

Many patients who are 80 years of age and older, develop AF or CHF. Physiologic pacing has been shown to prevent AF compared to ventricular pacing. Whether prevention of AF and CHF by physiologic pacing reduces emergency room visits or hospitalizations for cardiovascular causes in this population in unknown. The investigators wish to determine the optimal pacing mode for this patient population that would enable optimal management of cardiovascular problems, resulting in improved quality of life and minimizing use of health care facilities. Patients recruited to the study will be randomized to either DDDR or VVIR pacing, and followed in the clinic every 6 months for the 3 years of the study.