Exercise-related T-wave oversensing: an underestimated cause of reduced exercise capacity in a pacemaker-dependent patient—a case report and review of the literature

A 62-year-old pacemaker-dependent patient presented to our department with a sudden onset of reduced physical capacity. While initial physical and pacemaker evaluations remained without specific findings, Holter-ECG monitoring revealed an abnormal rate response with unusual pauses during physical exercise. Consequently, closer evaluation of the pacemaker system revealed intermittent, exercise-related T-wave oversensing (TWOS). While TWOS remains a significant burden in ICD-patients, it might be an underestimated but clinically significant event in pacemaker patients. Further studies should evaluate the impact of TWOS in this patient population.