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Pacing Threshold

A Cardiac Rhythm Management term on the RCES exam blueprint, defined for cath lab and EP clinicians.

The minimum voltage required to consistently capture the myocardium at a specific pulse width (typically 0.4 or 0.5 ms) must be assessed. Acceptable acute thresholds are generally <1.0 V at 0.5 ms, with an implant target of approximately 0.5-1.0 V; chronic thresholds commonly rise somewhat over the following weeks to months before stabilizing, so devices are typically programmed with a safety margin (e.g., 2-3x the measured threshold) above the measured value.

Domain: Cardiac Rhythm Management · Blueprint: RCES exam guide

Related RCES terms

Triangle of Koch AH Interval Exit Block Transition Zone Voltage Mapping

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Written and reviewed by John-Philip (JP) Maarschalk, BSN, RN, CNML — a nurse manager who runs operations for the cardiac cath lab, electrophysiology, and interventional service lines at an academic health system in North Carolina. He hires and develops the staff who sit for these exams. More about JP and how this content is made →
Cardiac Codex is an independent study tool published by MdoubleA LLC, not affiliated with or endorsed by CCI or any certifying body. This glossary entry is exam-preparation information, not medical advice or a substitute for clinical judgment. Always verify current clinical practice against primary sources and institutional protocol.