Sinus Bradycardia

Question 1

what are common extrinsic condition causes of sinus bradycardia?

Answer 1

• hypothermia
• hypothyroidism
• cholestatic jaundice
• raised intracranial pressure

Question 2

what are common drug therapies that cause sinus bradycardia?

Answer 2

beta-blockers, digitalis and other anti-arrhythmic drugs.

Question 3

what are some common intrinsic causes of sinus bradycardia?

Answer 3

• acute ischaemia and infarction of the sinus node (as a complication of acute MI)
• chronic degenerative changes, such as fibrosis of the atrium and sinus node (sick sinus syndrome)

Question 4

what are examples of neurally mediated syndrome?

Answer 4

• carotid sinus syndrome
• neurocardiogenic (vasovagal) syncope
• postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

Question 5

what are management options of sinus bradycardia?

Answer 5

• firstly, remove any extrinsic factors.
• temporary pacing may be employed in patients with reversible causes until normal sinus rhythm is achieved.
• in patients with chronic degenerative conditions a permanent pacemaker may be implanted.