Via practica 1/2013

Bradycardia – practical approach

Bradycardia is decline in heart rate below normal limits. Bradycardia can be caused by the damage of SA and/or AV node as well as by external influences (pharmacological, reflex, electrolyte and other). Symptoms of bradycardia are concerned with cerebral hypoperfusion – weakness, dizziness, tiredness and short lasting loss of consciousness. Extreme bradycardia can cause sudden death. Diagnosis of bradycardia is based on electrocardiographic documentation of bradycardia, assessment of reflex influences and sometimes detailed electrophysiological examination (e.g. localisation of impaired atrioventricular conduction). Permanent cardiac pacing is indicated after exclusion of reversible causes in patients with symptomatic bradycardia.

Keywords: bradycardia, sinus node disease, AV block, cardiac pacing