What should be conducted if automatic threshold results are abnormal?

Conducting a threshold test is essential when automatic threshold results are abnormal because it allows for a more accurate and detailed assessment of the pacing thresholds. This test involves manually stimulating the heart to determine the minimal voltage required to consistently capture the myocardium. By performing this procedure, healthcare professionals can better understand the patient's cardiac response and make necessary adjustments to the device settings to ensure effective pacing.

Automatic threshold testing relies on algorithms that may not always capture the complex variations in a patient's heart rhythm or the electrical properties of the heart. Abnormal results indicate that there may be inconsistencies or changes in the heart's conduction system that require further investigation. A threshold test provides the opportunity to gather personalized data that can lead to optimized pacing parameters tailored to the patient, ultimately enhancing therapy and improving outcomes.

Understanding the true pacing threshold is crucial for effective cardiac device management. Hence, while other options may involve adjustments to device programming or settings, they do not address the underlying need for precise threshold identification, which is why conducting a threshold test is the most appropriate action when facing abnormal results.