American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certification Practice Exam

What condition is treated with the insertion of a permanent cardiac pacemaker?

1. Heart failure

2. Myocardial infarction

3. Sick sinus syndrome

4. Atrial fibrillation

The correct answer is: Sick sinus syndrome

The insertion of a permanent cardiac pacemaker is primarily indicated for the treatment of sick sinus syndrome. This condition arises from the malfunction of the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial (SA) node, leading to an abnormal heart rhythm, which can manifest as bradycardia (slow heart rate), pauses in heartbeat, or other rhythm abnormalities. A permanent pacemaker helps to regulate and maintain a consistent heart rate by providing electrical impulses to the heart when it fails to do so inherently. In contrast, heart failure typically involves a reduced ability of the heart to pump blood efficiently and is more commonly managed with medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes devices like implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) or ventricular assist devices, but not typically with a pacemaker as the primary treatment. Myocardial infarction, or heart attack, occurs due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, and the treatment focuses on restoring blood flow through various methods such as angioplasty and medications rather than the implantation of a pacemaker unless significant arrhythmias are present following the event that lead to the need for pacing. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate, and while some patients may require a pacemaker, it