Bradyarrhythmias can present as an incidental electrocardiographic (ECG) finding or a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention. They are caused by sinus node disease or atrioventricular block. This review covers pathophysiology, stabilization and assessment, diagnosis and treatment options, and disposition and outcomes for patients with bradycardia. Figures in the review demonstrate characteristic ECG tracings. Tables list classifications of sinus node dysfunction as well as of sinoatrial and atrioventricular blocks, presenting symptoms, important information to elicit on history taking, various causes of bradycardia, and specific interventions for toxicologic etiologies.
Key words: atrioventricular block, atropine, bradyarrhythmia, bradycardia, first-degree atrioventricular block, second-degree atrioventricular block, sinoatrial block, sinus bradycardia, sinus node disease, tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome, third-degree atrioventricular block
This review contains 9 highly rendered figures, 7 tables, and 92 references.