Adult Bradycardia

Last Updated on August 24, 2022

Adult Bradycardia Algorithm

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Features of unstable bradycardia

• Hypotension?
• Signs of shock?
• Acutely altered mental status?
• Ischaemic chest discomfort?
• Acute heart failure?

Causes

Common causes:
• Myocardial ischaemia / infarction
• Hypoxia
• Drugs e.g. calcium channel blockers, beta blocker, digoxin
• Electrolyte imbalance e.g. hyperkalaemia

Other causes:
• Endocrine related e.g. hypothyroidism
• Typhoid
• Cushing reflex

Medications

• IV Atropine / IVI Dopamine / IVI epinephrine

💡Tips

• Firstly, determine whether the bradycardia is stable
• If patient is unstable, medications needed to increase heart rate

Questions