Runaway pacemaker syndrome

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Runaway pacemaker syndrome is a potentially life-threatening malfunction of older pacemaker technologies whereby the pacemaker intermittently fires at a rate of nearly 2000 bpm.

The malfunction is often related to a low battery voltage.

• Generally the low amplitude pacemaker spikes fail to capture and there is bradycardia.

• Generally the low amplitude pacemaker spikes fail to capture and there is bradycardia.
• Ventricular fibrillation can occur

• A magnet should be placed on the chest to stop the potentially life-threatening stimulation.

• The pacemaker should be replaced.