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Bradycardia Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Some types of bradycardia produce no symptoms. Others may cause noticeable symptoms, such as:

  • Fainting or loss of consciousness (“syncope”)
  • Dizziness, sensation of light-headedness
  • Weakness
  • Mild fatigue
  • Sensation of your heart fluttering (palpitations)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Serious forms of bradycardia, such as complete heart block, are medical emergencies. They can lead to loss of consciousness or sudden cardiac arrest .

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. In particular, the doctor will listen to your heart with a stethoscope.

Tests may include:

  • Blood tests—to look for certain abnormalities that may explain the bradycardia (eg, electrolytes, glucose, thyroid function, and drug levels)
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)—a test that records the heart’s activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle.
  • Echocardiogram —a test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the size, shape, and motion of the heart.
  • Holter monitor or event monitor—a portable, continuous heart rhythm monitor that you wear as you perform normal daily activities.
  • Exercise stress test —a test that records the heart’s electrical activity during increased physical activity.
  • Nuclear scanning—radioactive material is injected into a vein and observed as it is distributed through the heart muscle to look for coronary artery disease.
  • Coronary angiography —x-rays taken after a dye is injected into the arteries; this allows the doctor to look for abnormalities in the coronary arteries of the heart.

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