Diagnosis
To diagnose bradycardia, a healthcare professional examines you and listens to your heart with a stethoscope. You are usually asked questions about your symptoms and medical history.
Tests
Tests may be done to check your heart and look for conditions that can cause bradycardia.
- Blood tests. A sample of your blood may be tested to check for infections and changes in body chemicals, such as potassium. A blood test also may be done to check thyroid function.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This is the main test used to diagnose bradycardia. An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart. It shows how the heart is beating. Sticky patches with sensors are placed on the chest and sometimes the arms and legs. Wires connect the electrodes to a computer, which displays or prints the results.
- Holter monitor. If a standard ECG doesn't show an irregular heartbeat, your healthcare professional may suggest a Holter monitor. This portable ECG device is worn for a day or more. It records the heart's activity during daily activities.
- Event recorder. This device is similar to a Holter monitor, but it records only at certain times for a few minutes at a time. You typically press a button when symptoms occur. It's worn for up to 30 days or until symptoms occur.
- Tilt table test. This test may be done if you've had fainting spells. A health professional checks your heart rate and blood pressure as you lie flat on a table. The table is tilted to put you in a standing position. The care professional watches how your heart and nervous system respond to the change in position.
- Stress exercise test. Some irregular heartbeats are triggered or made worse by exercise. During a stress test, the heart's activity is watched while you ride on a stationary bicycle or walk on a treadmill. If you can't exercise, you may be given medicine that affects the heart like exercise does.
- Sleep study. A sleep study may be suggested if you have repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, called obstructive sleep apnea. That condition may cause changes in the heartbeat.
More Information
Treatment
Treatment for bradycardia depends on how severe the symptoms are and the cause of the slow heart rate. If you don't have symptoms, treatment might not be needed.
Bradycardia treatment may include:
- Lifestyle changes.
- A change in medicines.
- A medical device called a pacemaker.
If another health problem, such as thyroid disease or sleep apnea, is causing the slow heart rate, treatment of that condition might correct bradycardia.
Medications
Many different medicines can affect the heartbeat. Some might cause bradycardia. Always tell your healthcare team about all the medicines you take. Include those bought without a prescription.
If a medicine you're taking is causing bradycardia, your healthcare professional may suggest a lower dosage. Or you may be changed to a different medicine.
Surgery or other procedures
If you have severe bradycardia symptoms and other treatments aren't possible, your health professional may suggest a device called a pacemaker.
A pacemaker is placed under the skin near the collarbone during a minor surgery. The device helps fix a slow heartbeat. When the heart beats too slowly, the pacemaker sends electrical signals to the heart to speed up the beat.
Preparing for your appointment
If you have an irregular heartbeat, you may be referred to a doctor trained in heart conditions. This type of health professional is called a cardiologist.
Medical appointments can be brief. There's often a lot to discuss. So it's a good idea to be prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.
What you can do
- Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance. For example, you may be told not to eat or drink for a few hours before a cholesterol test.
- Write down any symptoms you're having, including any that may seem unrelated to bradycardia.
- Write down important personal information, including a family history of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure or diabetes, and any major stresses or recent life changes.
- Make a list of all medicines, including those bought without a prescription. Include dosages. Also list vitamins or supplements that you're taking.
- Take someone with you, if possible. Someone who goes with you can help you remember information you're given.
- Write down questions to ask your care team.
For bradycardia, basic questions to ask your healthcare team include:
- What is likely causing my slow heart rate?
- What tests do I need?
- What's the most appropriate treatment?
- What are the possible complications?
- How will my heart be checked?
- How often do I need health checkups?
- How will other conditions I have or medicines I take affect my irregular heartbeat?
- Do I need to restrict my activities?
- Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?
Don't hesitate to ask other questions.
What to expect from your doctor
Your healthcare team usually asks you questions, such as:
- Have you fainted?
- Does anything, such as exercise, make your symptoms worse?
- Do you smoke?
- Are you being treated for heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other conditions that can affect your heart?
Dec. 13, 2024