SINUS BRADYCARDIA

DESCRIPTION

This rhythm does not require treatment, unless it is causing symptoms, i.e. syncope, dizziness, tiredness and poor effort tolerance.

Sinus bradycardia <50 beats/minute or sinus arrest with slow escape rhythm, accompanied by hypotension, strongly suggest a treatable underlying cause such as:

»     acute inferior myocardial infarct,

»     hyperkalaemia, especially if wide QRS and/or peaked T waves,

»    drugs, especially combination of verapamil and ß-blocker or digoxin,

»             hypothermia, »     hypoxia, or »         hypothyroidism.

Treat the cause. Consider atropine if inferior infarct.

SINUS ARREST

Refer all urgently to a cardiologist.