Overdrive pacing in transcutaneous pacing is used to achieve what?

• A. Pacing at a rate higher than intrinsic rhythm to achieve capture
• B. Pacing at a slower rate to conserve energy
• C. Pacing without achieving capture
• D. Pacing only the atrium

Answer: (A)

Overdrive pacing means driving the heart faster than its own rhythm so the external pacemaker’s impulses reliably depolarize the myocardium (capture). In transcutaneous pacing, this is used to force the heart to follow a paced rate when the intrinsic rhythm is too slow or unreliable, producing a steady rhythm and improving perfusion. Pacing slower wouldn’t overcome the heart’s own rate, and pacing without capture or pacing only the atrium don’t achieve the desired, reliable ventricular depolarization needed in this setting.