a cardiac rhythm management system includes techniques for reducing the number of programmable variables associated with maximum pacing rate so that fewer variables are programmed and a reduction in possible parameter conflict is achieved . in an embodiment , a maximum pacing rate parameter replaces a plurality of conventional , separately programmable pacing parameters . for example , maximum tracking rate , maximum sensor rate , rate smoothing maximum pacing rate , atrial pacing preference maximum pacing rate , and ventricular rate regulation maximum pacing rate are replaced by a single maximum pacing rate with , if necessary , a sensor offset and an atrial pacing preference offset . in another example , rate smoothing maximum pacing rate , biventricular trigger maximum pacing rate and ventricular rate regulation maximum pacing rate are replaced by a single maximum pacing rate .