Sammendrag

• Any heart rhythm slower than 50 bpm, even if transient, owing to sinus node dysfunction and/or atrioventricular (AV) conduction abnormalities.
• Causes include intrinsic sinus node and AV nodal disease, or extrinsic influences, which may be reversible.
• Common symptoms include syncope, fatigue, and dizziness; however, the patient may be asymptomatic.
• Evaluation involves determining the association of symptoms with heart rate and an assessment of underlying cardiovascular conditions. ECG is the diagnostic test of choice.
• Patients with a reversible cause may not require long-term therapy; however, patients with non-reversible causes may require an implantable pacemaker with or without a defibrillator. Urgent treatment may include temporary pacing and drug interventions.
• Potentially life-threatening complications, including cardiovascular collapse and death, may occur.