Sixty-nine patients receiving atrioventricular sequential (DVI) pacemakers are compared to 67 patients receiving ventricular demand (VVI) pacemakers for control of the symptoms of sinus node dysfunction. The populations were similar with comparable preparing incidences of each assayed symptom and number of symptoms per patient (symptom density). Syncope was well controlled by both DVI and VVI pacing. DVI pacing was better than VVI pacing for control of all other symptoms. Symptom density response: DVI pre, 3.3 +/- 0.95; post, 0.43 +/- 0.63; VVI pre, 3.2 +/- 0.97; post 1.75 +/- 1.44 (p less than 0.000). Atrial electrode problems were encountered in five (7.3%) of the DVI patients and one (0.74%) ventricular electrode required repositioning.