Importance of electrocardiography in the assessment and management of heart failure: a case report

Restoring and maintaining optimal electrical activation of the cardiac chambers as well as atrioventricular synchrony are important aspects of heart failure management. The 12-lead electrocardiogram remains a simple and cost-effective diagnostic tool that can provide important clues in achieving this goal. We report a case where careful interpretation of the 12-lead electrocardiogram led to the diagnosis of pacemaker syndrome. This recognition led to a therapeutic intervention that resulted in the resolution of the patient's heart failure symptoms. The importance of electrocardiography and atrioventricular synchrony in the management of heart failure will also be discussed.