Bradycardia in athletes: clinical evaluation and management

ESC CardioMed ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. 1971-1973
Author(s):  
Hein Heidbuchel
Keyword(s):  
Sinus Bradycardia ◽  
Sinus Node ◽  
Pacemaker Implantation ◽  
Ionic Channel ◽  
Physiological Adaptation ◽  
Infiltrative Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Former Athletes ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
Symptomatic Bradycardia

Sinus bradycardia is very common in athletes. Recent evidence has shown that vagal hypertonia is not so much the mechanism behind this physiological adaptation, but rather intrinsic structural and ionic channel remodelling of the sinus node. Some athletes may present with extreme forms of bradycardia, such as a resting sinus rhythm of less than 30 beats per minute or sinus pauses of longer than 3 s. Even if asymptomatic, one may wonder how far this can still be considered ‘physiological’, since it is known that former athletes have a higher likelihood for the development of symptomatic bradycardia and the need for pacemaker implantation. Whereas asymptomatic athletes can participate in all sports, temporary cessation in those with symptoms is warranted to gauge resolution of bradycardia. If persistently symptomatic, pacemaker implantation needs to be considered. In those with extreme bradycardia but who are asymptomatic, a more intensified follow-up is recommended after exclusion of underlying causes (e.g. infiltrative cardiomyopathy, Lyme disease, or sarcoidosis).

scholarly journals Symptomatic Long Pauses and Bradycardia due to Massive Multinodular Goiter

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Amrish Deshmukh ◽  
Cevher Ozcan
Keyword(s):  
Multinodular Goiter ◽  
Carotid Sinus ◽  
Sinus Bradycardia ◽  
Sinus Node ◽  
Pacemaker Implantation ◽  
Permanent Pacemaker ◽  
Chronotropic Incompetence ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Symptomatic Bradycardia ◽  
Recurrent Sinus

Sinus node dysfunction with symptomatic bradycardia or chronotropic incompetence is generally an indication for pacemaker implantation. However, in patients with symptomatic sinus bradycardia, the identification and treatment of underlying pathologies may avoid the need for permanent pacemaker implantation. We present a case of carotid sinus syndrome and severe obstructive sleep apnea due to a massive multinodular goiter in a patient who presented with recurrent sinus pauses and syncope. The patient was managed without pacemaker implantation but instead with thyroidectomy resulting in decompression of the carotid sinus and airway and resolution of bradycardic episodes.

Pacemaker use for the treatment of reflex-mediated syncope: 40-year experience at a single paediatric institution

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Thomas Huang ◽  
Edward O’Leary ◽  
Mark E. Alexander ◽  
Laura Bevilacqua ◽  
Francis Fynn-Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Atrioventricular Block ◽  
Sinus Bradycardia ◽  
Pacemaker Implantation ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Single Centre Experience ◽  
Procedural Complications ◽  
Children And Young Adults ◽  
Dual Chamber Pacemakers

Abstract Introduction: Reflex-mediated syncope occurs in 15% of children and young adults. In rare instances, pacemakers are required to treat syncopal episodes associated with transient sinus pauses or atrioventricular block. This study describes a single centre experience in the use of permanent pacemakers to treat syncope in children and young adults. Materials and methods: Patients with significant pre-syncope or syncope and pacemaker implantation from 1978 to 2018 were reviewed. Data collected included the age of presentation, method of diagnosis, underlying rhythm disturbance, age at implant, type of pacemaker implanted, procedural complications and subsequent symptoms. Results: Fifty patients were identified. Median age at time of the first syncopal episode was 10.2 (range 0.3–20.4) years, with a median implant age of 14.9 (0.9–34.3) years. Significant sinus bradycardia/pauses were the predominant reason for pacemaker implant (54%), followed by high-grade atrioventricular block (30%). Four (8%) patients had both sinus pauses and atrioventricular block documented. The majority of patients had dual-chamber pacemakers implanted (58%), followed by ventricular pacemakers (38%). Median follow-up was 6.7 (0.4–33.0) years. Post-implant, 4 (8%) patients continued to have syncope, 7 (14%) had complete resolution of their symptoms, and the remaining reported a decrease in their pre-syncopal episodes and no further syncope. Twelve (24%) patients had complications, including two infections and eight lead malfunctions. Conclusions: Paediatric patients with reflex-mediated syncope can be treated with pacing. Complication rates are high (24%); as such, permanent pacemakers should be reserved only for those in whom asystole from sinus pauses or atrioventricular block has been well documented.

Abstract 15680: Sinus Node Dysfunction in Associated With Higher Symptom Burden and Increased Risk of Progression to Permanent Atrial Fibrillation: Results From ORBIT-AF Registry

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry R Jackson ◽  
Sung Hee Kim ◽  
Jonathan P Piccini ◽  
Bernard J Gersh ◽  
Gerald V Naccarelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Sinus Bradycardia ◽  
Sinus Node ◽  
Sinus Node Dysfunction ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Risk Of Progression

Background: Patients with sinus node dysfunction (SND) are at increased risk of atrial tachyarrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF). Whether the presence of SND is also associated with worse outcomes among those with AF has not been well described. Methods: The ORBIT-AF registry enrolled patients with AF from a range of clinical practices across the US. SND was defined clinically, based on the presence of sinus bradycardia, severe sinus bradycardia, sinus arrest, sinoatrial exit block, or features of tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to describe treatment patterns and outcomes for patients with and without SND and AF. Results: Overall, 1,710 (17.7%) patients had SND at enrollment. Patients with SND had lower left-ventricular ejection fractions, higher CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc risk scores, and more prior cerebrovascular events. Patients with SND had more severe symptoms (EHRA class IV: 17.5% vs. 13.9%; p=0.007) and poorer quality of life (median AFEQT 77.5 vs. 81.1; p=0.008) as compared to those without. SND patients were more frequently treated with oral anticoagulants (79.2% vs. 75.9%, p=0.004) and had more often received interventional therapy for AF (16.1% vs. 10.5%, p<0.0001). There were no differences in the current AF management strategy between patients with SND and those without [rate control (69.7% vs. 67.7%), rhythm control (30.0% vs. 32.0%); P=0.11]. After adjustment, significantly more patients with SND had progressed from paroxysmal AF at baseline to persistent or permanent AF at any follow-up or persistent AF at baseline to permanent AF at any follow-up than those without (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01-1.49, p=0.035). Conclusion: Sinus node dysfunction is associated worse symptoms, lower quality of life, and higher risk of progression to permanent AF. However, SND is not associated with increased risk of all-cause hospitalization, incident stroke, or all-cause death.

P6018Can chronic his bundle pacing be safely started in centers with lack of experience of this technique? Data from a multicentric registry

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Chaumont ◽  
E Popescu ◽  
N Auquier ◽  
A Milhem ◽  
G Viart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sinus Node ◽  
Pacemaker Implantation ◽  
Bundle Branch Block ◽  
His Bundle ◽  
His Bundle Pacing ◽  
Ventricular Lead ◽  
Device Infection ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Tool Set

Abstract Introduction Right ventricular pacing (RVP) induces ventricular asynchrony in patients with normal QRS and increases the risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation on long term. His bundle pacing (HBP) is a physiological alternative to RVP. Interest in HBP has been hampered in part by technical challenges and limited implantation tool set. Recent studies assessed feasibility and safety in expert centers with a vast experience of HBP. These results may not apply to less experienced centers. Purpose To evaluate feasibility and safety of permanent his bundle pacing in hospitals with limited technical training to this technique and to evaluate stability of his bundle capture thresholds at 3 months follow up. Methods We included all patients who underwent pacemaker implantation with attempt of HBP in three hospitals between September 2017 and December 2018. All the 5 operators were novice for HBP at the beginning of the study. Selective his bundle capture (HBC) was defined as concordance of QRS and T waves complexes with the native ECG (patients with underlying bundle branch block may normalize), presence of a delay between spike and QRS complex, absence of widening of the QRS at a low pacing output, and recordable his bundle electrogram. At 3 months follow-up, his bundle capture thresholds, R-wave amplitudes and pacing impedances were recorded. Results HPB was successful in 51 of 58 patients (87.9%); selective HBC was obtained in 40 patients while nonselective HBC occurred in 11 patients. Indication for pacemaker implantation was atrioventricular conduction disease in 31 patients (53%), sinus node dysfunction in 5 patients (9%) and AV nodal ablation for non-controlled atrial arrhythmias in 22 patients (38%). AV nodal ablation was performed during the same procedure in 14 patients. The mean procedure duration was 75±8 min, and mean fluoroscopy duration was 10±2 min. The mean HBP threshold was 1.47±0.27 V and did not increase after a 3 months follow-up (1.12±0.18 V). Only 7 patients (14%) had HBP threshold >2V/0.5ms. The mean impedance was 477±37 Ω and slightly decreased at 3 months (364±24Ω). The mean R-wave amplitude was 4.1±1 mV at implantation and 3.2±0.6 mV at 3 months. Bundle branch block correction was achieved in 5 of 7 patients with underlying left bundle branch block. There was no pericardial effusion, no pneumothorax and no device infection. Ventricular lead revision was required at 3 months in one patient for sudden threshold increase, without obvious dislodgement. LBBB correction after HBP Conclusion His bundle pacing performed by novice operators to this technique appeared feasible and safe. The mean HBP threshold did not increase at 3 months follow-up.

P1096Cardioneuroablation changes the type of vaso-vagal response in patients with asystolic reflex syncope

EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Piotrowski ◽  
A Zuk ◽  
J Baran ◽  
A Sikorska ◽  
T Krynski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Postgraduate Medical Education ◽  
Sinus Node ◽  
Pacemaker Implantation ◽  
Heart Rate Variability Parameter ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education No. 501-1-10-14-19 Background. Cardioneuroablation (CNA) - ablation of ganglionated plexi (GP) to eliminate or reduce parasympathetic overactivity, has been recently proposed as a new therapeutic method in patients with vaso-vagal syncope (VVS) due to cardioinhibitory or mixed mechanism. Purpose. To assess the impact of CNA on the type of VV response during tilt testing (TT). Methods. The study group consisted of the first 20 patients (7 males, mean age 38 ± 9 – year – old) enrolled in the ongoing prospective Roman study (NCT 03903744). All patients had a history of ECG documented syncope due to asystole and confirmed asystolic form of VVS at baseline TT. CNA was performed using electroanatomical system Carto 3 and radiofrequency applications delivered in the right and left atrium at the right anterior GP and right inferior GP sites. The second TT was performed three months later. Resting heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability parameter (SDDN) were also assessed. Results. At baseline TT, nineteen patients had cardioinhibitory syncope (asystole ranging from 3 to 60 s)  (sinus node arrest – 17 patients, A-V block – 2 patients) and 1 had mixed form of VVS (asystole lasting 3 s preceded by hypotension). During three-month follow-up no syncopal episodes were noted. At the 3-month TT, 6 (30 %) patients had no syncope whereas the remaining 13 (65 %)  had syncope – twelve (60 %) due to vasodepressor mechanism and only one (5 %) due to asystole - as before CNA. One patient did not have TT because of pregnancy. Mean resting HR after CNA was significantly faster and SDNN significantly lower than before the procedure (82 ± 9 vs 69 ± 11 beats/min, p = 0.0004 and 74 ± 22 vs 143 ± 40 ms, p = 0.00003, respectively) and these changes were was similar in those who fainted during second TT and those who did not (82 ± 11 vs 81 ± 4 beats/min, p = NS and (75 ± 2 vs 77 ± 18 ms, p = NS, respectively). Conclusions. CNA profoundly affects the type of VV reaction causing normalization of the response to tilting or changing cardiodepression to vasodepression. These effects are also depicted by changes in HR and heart rate variability. Elimination of TT-induced reflex asystole may prevent clinical recurrences of syncope during short-term follow-up. These findings encourage to conduct further studies involving CNA since this method appears to be effective and obviates the need for pacemaker implantation in young people with reflex asystolic syncope.

scholarly journals Management of adolescent anorexia with symptomatic bradycardia and frequent premature ventricular contractions: a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (10) ◽  
pp. 030006052110501
Author(s):  
Fuxu Chen ◽  
Chao Feng ◽  
Jie Song ◽  
Shudong Xia
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Pacemaker Implantation ◽  
Premature Ventricular Contractions ◽  
Cardiac Intervention ◽  
The Past ◽  
Electrocardiographic Monitoring ◽  
Symptomatic Bradycardia ◽  
Mean Heart Rate

Syncope associated with bradycardia and ventricular arrhythmia is an indication of cardiac intervention. However, in adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa, the management of syncope and arrhythmia can be different. We present a case of a 17-year-old boy who was admitted to the hospital because of syncope during exercise. Electrocardiographic monitoring showed that his mean heart rate was 41 beats/minute, with many long pauses and frequent premature ventricular contractions. These results suggested that the syncope was probably caused by arrythmia. He had been on a diet and had lost 20 kg in the past 6 months, with a body mass index of only 15.3 kg/m2. He was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Pacemaker implantation or ablation was not performed. Refeeding therapy was performed with mirtazapine. A follow-up showed a stepwise increase in his heart rate and a stepwise decrease in premature ventricular contractions, with an increase in his body weight. The findings from this case show that vagal hyperactivity associated with anorexia nervosa might lead to multiple premature ventricular contractions and bradycardia.

Sinus bradycardia, junctional rhythm, and low-rate atrial fibrillation in Short QT syndrome during 20 years of follow-up: three faces of the same genetic problem

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 589-592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Righi ◽  
Massimo S. Silvetti ◽  
Fabrizio Drago
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Sinus Bradycardia ◽  
Sinus Node ◽  
Sinus Node Dysfunction ◽  
Short Qt Syndrome ◽  
Junctional Rhythm ◽  
Genetic Problem ◽  
Qt Syndrome ◽  
Low Rate

AbstractWe describe the case of an asymptomatic girl with sinus bradycardia and short QT interval at birth, junctional bradycardia in infancy requiring single-chamber pacemaker, atrial fibrillation in adolescence, and V141M mutation in the KCNQ1 gene. Atrial fibrillation recurred and became unresponsive to electrical or anti-arrhythmic therapy. During 20 years of follow-up, a progressive evolution from sinus node dysfunction to low-rate atrial fibrillation was observed.

scholarly journals Treatment of Vasovagal Syncope Associated with Asystole: Literature Review and Case Report of Long-term Follow-up

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 315-322
Author(s):  
A. V. Pevzner ◽  
E. A. Kuchinskaya ◽  
V. G. Kiktev ◽  
G. I. Kheimets
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Vasovagal Syncope ◽  
Sinus Node ◽  
Pacemaker Implantation ◽  
Cerebral Hypoperfusion ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Conduction Disturbances ◽  
Long Term Follow Up

Vasovagal syncope (VVS) can occur in every third of human population. Clinical symptoms of VVS areas a result of arterial hypotension with critical global cerebral hypoperfusion due to vasodilatation and bradicardia. Bradicardia is manifested as sinus node dysfunction and atrioventricular conduction disturbances due to activation of nervus vagus. Asystole can take place in some cases. Lack of efficacy of permanent pacemaker founds in patients to prevent of VVS. The results of double blind placebo controlled studies, European and American expert's opinions, probable causes of lack of efficacy of pacemakers in such category of patients and way of solution of this problem are discussed in the review. Syncope recurrences in spite of pacemaker implantation, risk of surgery complications and good life prognosis are arguments for therapeutic approach, now suitable for the most of patients with VVS. Case report (VVS with asystole but without of pacemaker implantation) with successful follow-up is analyzed in the article.

New onset atrial fibrillation after dual chamber pacemaker implantation: long term predictors

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Ferreira ◽  
G Portugal ◽  
A Viveiros Monteiro ◽  
M Oliveira ◽  
P Silva Cunha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cox Regression ◽  
Sinus Node ◽  
Pacemaker Implantation ◽  
Dual Chamber ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
Node Disease ◽  
Rv Pacing ◽  
New Onset

Abstract Background Preserving atrioventricular synchrony has been accepted as a significant advantage of atrial and dual-chamber (DDD) pacing. However, little is known about the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after DDD implantation and its prognostic predictors in long term. Purpose To determine the incidence of new AF episodes and to identify risk factors and prognostic predictors for new-onset AF and all-cause mortality after implantation of dual-chamber pacemakers. Population and methods 713 consecutive patients (P) who underwent colocation of DDD pacemaker, due to AV block (AVB) or sinus node disease (SND), with no prior history of AF, from 2011 to 2015. Through periodic PM interrogation, occurrence of AF (“automatic mode switch” episodes with documented AF), switch to ventricular pacing (VVIR), pacing site (apical or septal) and cumulative right ventricular (RV) pacing % were analysed. Results Follow-up data was available for 669 patients (93.8%) for a mean follow-up (FU) time of 47.8±22.7 months. Mean age was 72.9±10.8 years with 60.1% male. New occurrence of AF was observed in 345 P (51.6%) during the FU period; 45.7% of them were consequently anticoagulated (59.0% with NOACs). Median time to 1st AF episode since implantation was 21.6 months and in 50.9% of the cases it lasted ≥1h. In univariate analysis, 1st AF episode lasting more than 1 hour and existence of at least one episode longer than 24 hours were directly related to switch to VVIR (p&lt;0.0005; p&lt;0.0005; p&lt;0.0005) as well as prescription of anticoagulation (p=0.001; p=0.011; p&lt;0.0005). Compared to non-AF P, those with AF were older (74.0±9.9 vs. 71.8±11.7 years; p=0.008), had higher prevalence of SND (50.0% vs 40.20%; p=0.015), had superior % of RV pacing (65.9±39.3% vs. 58.3±44.3%; p=0.021) and more frequently had RV apical pacing (70.1% vs 57.3%; p=0.001). The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia were similar in the two groups. With multivariable Cox-regression, age (HR 1.02; p=0.017), SND (HR 1.49; p=0.010), admission for HF (HR 1.55; p=0.012) and % RV pacing (HR 1.01; p=0.003) were significantly associated with the incidence of FA. Predictors of all-cause mortality in Cox regression were the occurrence of AF in 1st of FU (HR 1.67; p=0.018) and % RV pacing (HR 1.01; p=0.043). Conclusions New onset AF is a frequent finding after DDD pacemaker implantation and is associated with all-cause mortality in long term. Age, admission for heart failure, sinus node disease and % of RV pacing were independent predictors for AF during follow-up. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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