A 12-year, three-centre retrospective review in Lagos, Nigeria of 133 patients who had permanent pacemaker insertion for symptomatic bradycardia found that complete heart block was the main indication, nearly all devices were single-chamber VVIR, and acute lead dislodgement was the most frequent complication; the authors conclude that PPI has revolutionised treatment of symptomatic bradycardia and that upgrading and affordability would benefit more patients.
133 patients underwent permanent pacemaker insertion for symptomatic bradycardia at three Lagos hospitals over 12 years, with equal gender distribution.
Patients receiving pacemakers were mostly elderly, with a wide age range.
Patients presented with markedly slow pulse rates.
Complete heart block was the most frequent indication for pacemaker insertion.
Single-chamber VVIR pacemakers were used in almost all patients.
Acute lead dislodgement was the most frequent complication.
The authors conclude pacemaker insertion has revolutionised treatment of symptomatic bradycardia and advocate upgrading standards and improving affordability.
This study looked back at the records of 133 people in Lagos, Nigeria, who had a permanent pacemaker fitted between 2011 and 2022 at three hospitals. Most were older adults (average age about 68) with a very slow heart rate, averaging about 39 beats per minute when they arrived. The main reason for a pacemaker was complete heart block, a condition in which electrical signals between the upper and lower chambers of the heart are blocked, which affected 88% of patients. Almost all patients (95.5%) received a simple single-chamber pacemaker rather than more advanced types. The most common complication was a pacing wire moving out of position soon after insertion. The authors suggest that pacemakers have greatly improved care for slow heart rhythms and may extend life. The researchers argue that better access, upgraded equipment and lower costs could help more patients who need pacemakers in Nigeria. This was a record review without a comparison group, so it describes local practice rather than testing which approach works best.
Ogunleye E, Olusoji O, Iwuchukwu P, Idowu D, Amadi C, Adesida A, et al.. (2026). Transvenous Cardiac Pacing: 12-year Experience in Lagos, Nigeria.. The Nigerian postgraduate medical journal. https://doi.org/10.4103/npmj.npmj_190_26