| Sumario: | A study was conducted to evaluate data on pacemaker implantation throughout the U.S. The Medical Device Implant Supplement to the 1988 National Health Interview Survey yielded an estimate of 456,482 noninstitutionalized adults with pacemakers. Findings indicated that the prevalence of pacemakers rose significantly with age. They were more common in males than in females and in Whites than non-Whites but the incidence was of borderline statistical significance. Prevalence was not related to region of residence, educational level, or income, but it increased more than 3 times in those whose activity was limited compared with those with no limitation. The data from the survey provide the first nationwide, population-based estimates of the epidemiology of pacemaker implantations. These data have many useful purposes including health care planning and surveillance.
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