The Heartbeat that Hesitates: Quick H.I.T.s for Emergency Bradycardia

Scritto il 27/03/2026
da Rohit Menon

Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2026 May;44(2):289-307. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2025.12.001. Epub 2026 Feb 20.

ABSTRACT

Bradycardia has a broad differential, which can be narrowed by history, physical examination, and electrocardiogram. Symptomatic cases often stem from sick sinus syndrome or atrioventricular block. High-risk, cannot-miss causes include hyperkalemia, myocardial ischemia, toxins, hypoxia, increased intracranial pressure, and thyroid dysfunction. Early recognition is critical to prevent progression to bradycardic arrest. Management ranges from targeted interventions and antidotes to pharmacologic and electrical therapies.

PMID:41895879 | DOI:10.1016/j.emc.2025.12.001