Threshold current values will vary depending on the clinical situation. Transcutaneous pacing thresholds tend to be lowest in healthy individuals or in patients with minimal hemodynamic compromise. In these settings, the threshold is usually in the range of 40 to 80 mA.10,28 Most patients are paced using a current in the range of 20 to 140 mA.10 No clear correlation has been established between the pacing threshold and patient age, weight, body size, chest diameter, or etiology of heart disease.10,29,30 However, thresholds are usually elevated following thoracic surgery or in patients with COPD, a pneumothorax, a pericardial effusion, heavy thoracic chest wall musculature, and after positive-pressure ventilation.10