What does amplitude refer to in the context of pacing?

In the context of pacing, amplitude is defined as the strength or intensity of the electrical impulse delivered by the pacemaker. It is measured in volts and indicates how much electrical energy is used to stimulate cardiac tissue. A higher amplitude means that the impulse is stronger, which can be essential for ensuring effective depolarization of the cardiac muscle and achieving reliable heart contractions. This concept is crucial in pacing as it directly affects the pacing threshold—the minimum amplitude required to consistently capture the heart.

While duration refers to how long the impulse lasts, and frequency relates to how often impulses are delivered, neither of these aspects define the electrical strength of the impulse. Additionally, the shape of the electrical wave involves the waveform characteristics but does not capture the notion of strength or intensity. Understanding amplitude is essential for optimizing pacing settings to ensure effective cardiac function.