Treatment FAQ

what is the drug treatment and dosage of choice for symptomatic bradycardia

by Clay Feest MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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What is the first drug of choice for symptomatic bradycardia?

The dose in the Bradycardia ACLS algorithm is 0.5mg IV push and may repeat up to a total dose of 3mg. Dopamine: Second-line drug for symptomatic bradycardia when atropine is not effective. Dosage is 2-20 micrograms/kg/min infusion. Click to see full answer. Furthermore, what medication is used to treat bradycardia?

How much dopamine do you give for bradycardia?

What is the drug treatment and dosage of choice for symptomatic bradycardia? A 60-year-old male patient is admitted with chest pain to the telemetry unit where you work. While having a bowel movement on the bedside commode, the patient becomes short of breath and diaphoretic. The ECG waveform shows bradycardia.

How much atropine do you give for bradycardia?

Nov 28, 2005 · The recommended atropine dose for bradycardia is 0.5 mg IV every 3 to 5 minutes to a maximum total dose of 3 mg. Doses of atropine sulfate of <0.5 mg may paradoxically result in further slowing of the heart rate. 8 Atropine administration should not delay implementation of external pacing for patients with poor perfusion.

What is the goal of therapy for symptomatic bradycardia?

Oct 20, 2021 · Bradycardia treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication changes or an implanted device called a pacemaker. If an underlying health problem, such as thyroid disease or sleep apnea, is causing the slower than normal heartbeat, treatment of that condition might correct bradycardia.

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What is the goal of bradycardia therapy?

The goal of therapy for bradycardia or tachycardia is to rapidly identify and treat patients who are hemodynamically unstable. Pacing or drugs, or both, may be used to control symptomatic bradycardia. Cardioversion or drugs, or both, may be used to control symptomatic tachycardia.

What is the first step in the management of tachycardia?

The first step in the management of any tachycardia is to determine if the patient’s condition is stable or unstable (Box 3). An unstable patient with wide-complex tachycardia is presumed to have VT, and immediate cardioversion is performed (Box 4 and see above).

What is sinus tachycardia?

Sinus tachycardia is common and usually results from a physiologic stimulus, such as fever, anemia, or shock. Sinus tachycardia occurs when the sinus node discharge rate is >100 times per minute in response to a variety of stimuli or sympathomimetic agents. No specific drug treatment is required.

What is irregular narrow complex tachycardia?

An irregular narrow-complex or wide-complex tachycardia is most likely atrial fibrillation with an uncontrolled ventricular response. Other diagnostic possibilities include MAT. We recommend a 12-lead ECG and expert consultation if the patient is stable.

What should be interpreted within the context of total patient assessment?

The ECG and rhythm information should be interpreted within the context of total patient assessment. Errors in diagnosis and treatment are likely to occur if ACLS providers base treatment decisions solely on rhythm interpretation and neglect clinical evaluation. Providers must evaluate the patient’s symptoms and clinical signs, including ventilation, oxygenation, heart rate, blood pressure, and level of consciousness, and look for signs of inadequate organ perfusion. These guidelines emphasize the importance of clinical evaluation and highlight principles of therapy with algorithms that have been refined and streamlined since the 2000 edition of the guidelines. 2 The principles of arrhythmia recognition and management in adults are as follows:

How long does it take to give adenosine?

Give adenosine rapidly over 1 to 3 seconds through a large (eg, antecubital) vein followed by a 20-mL saline flush and elevation of the arm. If the rate does not convert within 1 to 2 minutes, give a 12-mg bolus. Give a second 12-mg bolus if the rate fails to convert within 1 to 2 minutes after the first 12-mg bolus.

Is a slow heart rate normal?

A slow heart rate may be physiologically normal for some patients, and heart rates >60 beats per minute may be in adequate for others. This bradycardia algorithm focuses on management of clinically significant bradycardia (ie, bradycardia that is inadequate for clinical condition).

What is relative bradycardia?

Relative bradycardia occurs when a patient may have a heart rate within normal sinus range, but the heart rate is insufficient for the patient’s condition. An example would be a patient with a heart rate of 80 bpm when they are experiencing septic shock.

What is the difference between bradycardia and bradycardia?

Symptomatic Bradycardia. Bradycardia is defined as any rhythm disorder with a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute. (Usually less than 60) Symptomatic bradycardia, however, is defined as a heart rate less than 60/min that elicits signs and symptoms, but the heart rate is typically less than 50/min.

Is bradycardia a physiologic condition?

A: Bradycardia may be physiologic in the hypothermic patient. This type of bradycardia is an appropriate response to the decreased metabolic rate that normally occurs with hypothermia. Also the hypothermic ventricle is more prone to fibrillation with any sort of irritation. Thus the irritation of TCP could induce VF.

What is the decision point for ACLS intervention in the bradycardia algorithm?

The decision point for ACLS intervention in the bradycardia algorithm is determination of adequate perfusion. For the patient with adequate perfusion, observe and monitor the patient. If the patient has poor perfusion, preparation for transcutaneous pacing should be initiated, and an assessment of contributing causes (H’s and T’s) should be carried out.

What is TCP in medical terms?

Transcutaneous pacing (TCP) Preparation for TCP takes place as atropine is being given. If atropine fails to alleviate symptomatic bradycardia, TCP is initiated. Ideally, the patient receives sedation prior to pacing, but if the patient is deteriorating rapidly, it may be necessary to start TCP prior to sedation.

Does atropine cause bradycardia?

First, atropine may be used for any type of block but may negatively affect outcomes if the bradycardia is being caused by myocardial infarction. This negative effect may occur because atropine increases the heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand.

How to diagnose bradycardia?

To diagnose your condition, your doctor will review your symptoms and your medical and family medical history and do a physical examination. Your doctor will also order tests to measure your heart rate, establish a link between a slow heart rate and your symptoms, and identify conditions that might be causing bradycardia.

What causes bradycardia?

Change in medications. A number of medications, including some to treat other heart conditions, can cause bradycardia. Your doctor will check what medications you're taking and possibly recommend alternatives. Changing drugs or lowering dosages might correct problems with a slow heart rate.

What is an EKG?

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) An electrocardiogram, also called an ECG or EKG, is a primary tool for evaluating bradycardia. Using small sensors (electrodes) attached to your chest and arms, it records electrical signals as they travel through your heart. Because an ECG can't record bradycardia unless it happens during the test, ...

Can bradycardia cause slow heart rate?

Treatment for bradycardia depends on the type of electrical conduction problem, the severity of symptoms and the cause of your slow heart rate. If you have no symptoms, treatment might not be necessary.

What is a wireless pacemaker?

The pacemaker monitors your heart rate and generates electrical impulses as necessary to maintain an appropriate rate. A wireless pacemaker has been approved by the FDA. The leadless system holds promise for people who need pacing in only one ventricle, but more study is needed.

How long does a Holter monitor record heart rate?

Holter monitor. Carried in your pocket or worn on a belt or shoulder strap, this device records your heart's activity for 24 to 48 hours. Your doctor will likely ask you to keep a diary during the same 24 hours. You'll describe any symptoms you experience and record the time they occur. Event recorder.

Where is the pacemaker implanted?

Pacemaker. This battery-operated device about the size of a cellphone is implanted under your collarbone. Wires from the device are threaded through veins and into your heart. Electrodes at the end of the wires are attached to heart tissues.

What are the symptoms of bradycardia?

5. Common bradycardia symptoms include: syncope. presyncope. transient dizziness or lightheadedness. fatigue. dyspnea on exertion. heart failure symptoms.

What is bradycardia heart rate?

What is bradycardia? The National Institutes of Health defines bradycardia* as a heart rate <60 bpm in adults other than well-trained athletes. 9 The determination on whether or not treatment is necessary for bradycardic events is generally based on the presence of bradycardia symptoms. The clinical manifestations of bradycardia can vary widely from insidious symptoms to episodes of frank syncope. 5

When a patient is evaluated for symptomatic bradycardia, an in-depth history and physical is

When a patient is evaluated for symptomatic bradycardia, an in-depth history and physical is important, along with the identification of possible reversible causes. The following is a list of conditions associated with bradycardia and conduction disorders: 11

What percentage of patients with sleep apnea have sinus bradycardia?

The prevalence of sinus bradycardia in patients with sleep apnea can be as high as 40%, with episodes of second- or third-degree AV block in up to 13% of patients. 8

How much atropine is given?

Atropine 0.5 mg intravenous (IV) is given up to a total of 3 mg. 1 Atropine sulfate acts by reversing the cholinergic-mediated decreases in the heart rate and AV node conduction. 1. If atropine is ineffective, two treatment pathways are available.

Can exercise be used for ischemia?

Although not routinely recommended for assessment of ischemia, exercise testing can be considered in patients with symptoms temporally related to exercise, asymptomatic second-degree AV block, or for suspected chronotropic incompetence. 11

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