Symptomatic Bradycardia

Atropine → pacing

Red flags
  • Adverse signs: shock, syncope, ischaemic pain, HF
  • Mobitz II or complete heart block
  • Recent MI (inferior for CHB)

First steps

  • ABCDE + defib pads (external pacing standby)
  • IV access + 12-lead ECG
  • Identify drug cause

Key investigations

  • 12-lead ECG (block type)
  • K+, TFT, digoxin level
  • Troponin, echo

Differentials

  • Sinus brady physiological
  • Sick sinus syndrome
  • Drug-induced (β-blocker, CCB, digoxin, amiodarone)
  • Hypothyroidism, hypothermia

Initial management

  • Atropine 500 mcg IV q3-5 min (max 3 mg)
  • Refractory: transcutaneous pacing
  • Isoprenaline 5 mcg/min or adrenaline 2-10 mcg/min
  • Transvenous pacing definitive
  • Treat cause

Referral

  • Cardiology for permanent pacemaker assessment
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