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Abstract

There is provided a system and method for high rate pacing of patients for training, or revalidation of heart muscle. The system and method of this invention provide a therapy particularly directed for patients with CHF, to enable effective exercise of the cardiac muscle without requiring the patient to exercise. In another embodiment, an alternate high rate routine, or algorithm is provided for assisting a patient to exercise during at least some part of the high rate pacing routine. The high rate pacing therapy may be initiated either automatically, based upon the patient's circadian rhythm; automatically by patient data sensed by a system of sensors; or may be initiated directly by the patient by use of a simple external programmer device. The pacemaker of the invention suitably stores a plurality of algorithms which can be selected, or which can be modified or replaced by an external programmer. Whether used by a CHF patient or a patient who does not have CHF but who is in danger of developing it, the exercise algorithms suitably provide for high rate pacing in the range of about 90-160 bpm. For a CHF patient, the high rate pacing is carried out for a duration in the area of about 20 minutes, preferably twice a day. The duration and frequency of therapy can be programmed to match patient needs, and may vary from only several minutes to much greater than 20 minutes, carried out 1, 2 or more times daily, or automatically based upon patient data.

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First Claim