Bradycardias and blocks

This chapter covers bradycardia, heart blocks, and cardiac pacing. Bradyarrhythmias that require pacing can be caused by a range of aetiologies and early identification of possible reversible causes is the first stage of treatment. Although a degree of bradycardia and heart blocks might not have any clinical significance, it is always important to assess the patient for signs of adverse effects. Generally, pacing is only indicated for symptomatic sinus bradycardia. In contrast, patients with asymptomatic atrioventricular block may require pacing for prognostic purposes.