eMedicine Specialties > Emergency Medicine > Cardiovascular
Sinus Bradycardia: Differential Diagnoses & Workup
Updated: Aug 4, 2009
- Overview
- Differential Diagnoses & Workup
- Treatment & Medication
- Follow-up
Differential Diagnoses
Hypoglycemia
Hypothermia
Hypothyroidism and Myxedema Coma
Other Problems to Be Considered
Obstructive sleep apnea
Workup
Laboratory Studies
- Laboratory studies may be helpful if the cause of the bradycardia is thought to be related to electrolytes, drug, or toxins. In cases of sick sinus syndrome, routine laboratory studies are rarely of specific value.
- Reasonable screening studies, especially if the patient is symptomatic and this is the initial presentation, include the following:
- Electrolyte levels
- Glucose level
- Calcium level
- Magnesium level
- Thyroid function tests
- Toxicologic screen
Imaging Studies
- Routine imaging studies are rarely of value in the absence of specific indications.
Other Tests
- 12-lead ECG may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
More on Sinus Bradycardia |
| Overview: Sinus Bradycardia |
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Sinus Bradycardia |
| Treatment & Medication: Sinus Bradycardia |
| Follow-up: Sinus Bradycardia |
| References |
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References
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Grantham HJ. Emergency management of acute cardiac arrhythmias. Aust Fam Physician. Jul 2007;36(7):492-7. [Medline]. [Full Text].
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Margolis JR, Strauss HC, Miller HC, Gilbert M, Wallace AG. Digitalis and the sick sinus syndrome. Clinical and electrophysiologic documentation of severe toxic effect on sinus node function. Circulation. Jul 1975;52(1):162-9. [Medline].
Mills TA, Kawji MM, Cataldo VD, Pappas ND, O'Meallie LP, Breaux DM, et al. Profound sinus bradycardia due to diltiazem, verapamil, and/or beta-adrenergic blocking drugs. J La State Med Soc. Nov-Dec 2004;156(6):327-31. [Medline].
Pollock G, Brady WJ Jr, Hargarten S, DeSilvey D, Carner CT. Hypoglycemia manifested by sinus bradycardia: a report of three cases. Acad Emerg Med. Jul 1996;3(7):700-7. [Medline].
Rosenqvist M, Brandt J, Schüller H. Atrial versus ventricular pacing in sinus node disease: a treatment comparison study. Am Heart J. Feb 1986;111(2):292-7. [Medline].
Sasaki Y, Shimotori M, Akahane K, Yonekura H, Hirano K, Endoh R, et al. Long-term follow-up of patients with sick sinus syndrome: a comparison of clinical aspects among unpaced, ventricular inhibited paced, and physiologically paced groups. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. Nov 1988;11(11 Pt 1):1575-83. [Medline].
Touboul P, Atallah G, Gressard A, Kirkorian G. Effects of amiodarone on sinus node in man. Br Heart J. Nov 1979;42(5):573-8. [Medline].
Watt AH. Sick sinus syndrome: an adenosine-mediated disease. Lancet. Apr 6 1985;1(8432):786-8. [Medline].
Further Reading
Keywords
sinus bradycardia, vagal tone, bradycardia, inferior wall myocardial infarction, electrolyte disorders, tachycardia, sinus arrest, first-degree block, second-degree block, third-degree block, complete SA block, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, sleep apnea, diphtheria, rheumatic fever, viral myocarditis, digitalis glycosides, beta-blockers, calcium channel-blocking agents, class I antiarrhythmic agents, amiodarone, increased vagal tone, infection, hypothyroidism, increased intracranial pressure, sick sinus syndrome, cerebral hypoperfusion, sinoatrial block, SA block, carotid hypersensitivity, syncope, dizziness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, chest pain, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, valvular failure
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Sinus Bradycardia