Temporary cardiac pacing involves electrical cardiac stimulation to treat a bradyarrhythmia or tachyarrhythmia until it resolves or until long-term therapy can be initiated. The purpose of temporary pacing is to reestablish normal hemodynamics that are acutely compromised by a slow or fast heart rate. Temporary pacing can also be used prophylactically when the need for pacing is anticipated. In some situations, temporary pacing can be lifesaving.