Which pacing output is preferred for maintaining constant time intervals according to pacing guidelines?

The preference for using both low and high outputs in pacing for maintaining constant time intervals is grounded in the principle that the choice of pacing output should depend on the clinical context and individual patient requirements.

Using low outputs can often be adequate for patients who have stable conduction and do not require high levels of electrical stimulation. Low outputs are typically associated with reduced energy consumption, potentially prolonging battery life in devices and minimizing unnecessary stimulation effects.

Conversely, high outputs may be necessary for patients with more complex conduction issues or those who exhibit varying thresholds for capture. In these situations, higher outputs provide more robust pacing that ensures consistent and reliable heartbeats despite variations in physiological conditions or lead positioning.

Selecting a pacing output is not strictly limited to one end of the spectrum; it varies based on the patient's unique needs, clinical conditions, and responses to pacing. Hence, the acknowledgment that both low and high outputs can be appropriate emphasizes a flexible and tailored approach to cardiac pacing, aligning with current pacing guidelines aimed at optimizing patient outcomes.