As a medical professional with a focus on cardiology, I am often asked about the term "ppm" in the context of cardiac care. PPM, which stands for "permanent pacemaker," is a device that is surgically implanted in the chest or abdomen to help regulate a patient's heart rhythm. This is particularly important for individuals who suffer from conditions such as bradycardia or atrioventricular (AV) block, which can lead to a dangerously slow heart rate.

Bradycardia is a condition characterized by a heart rate that is slower than the normal rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute. It can be caused by various factors, including aging, certain medical conditions, or the side effects of certain medications. On the other hand, AV block is a condition where the electrical signals that control the heartbeat are disrupted as they pass through the heart's chambers, leading to a slower heart rate.

The implantation of a PPM is a significant procedure that involves the placement of a small generator and leads into the body. The generator sends electrical impulses through the leads to the heart, which helps to maintain a regular and normal heart rhythm. This can be a life-saving intervention for patients with severe bradycardia or AV block.

It is estimated that approximately 20,000 permanent pacemakers are implanted annually for these conditions following cardiac surgery. However, there is limited information available regarding the long-term outcomes associated with pacing and mortality rates among these patients. There is also a need to understand the temporal trends that may be influencing these outcomes.

Long-term pacing outcomes are crucial to monitor as they can provide insights into the effectiveness of the treatment and the quality of life for patients. Mortality outcomes are equally important as they can indicate the overall success of the treatment and the prognosis for patients with these conditions.

The temporal trends are also of interest because they can reflect changes in medical practices, technological advancements, and patient demographics over time. For instance, improvements in pacemaker technology may lead to better outcomes for patients, while changes in patient demographics, such as an aging population, may influence the number of PPMs being implanted.

In conclusion, the term "ppm" in cardiac care refers to the use of permanent pacemakers to treat conditions like bradycardia and AV block. While the annual implantation rate is significant, there is a need for more research to better understand the long-term pacing outcomes and mortality rates among these patients, as well as the temporal trends that may be influencing these factors.

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Background: Approximately 20,000 permanent pacemakers (PPMs) are implanted annually for bradycardia or atrioventricular (AV) block after cardiac surgery. Little is known about the long-term pacing and mortality outcomes and the temporal trends of these patients.read more >>