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Bradycardia and medications: identify the dangerous pace
AnneMarie Palatnik1, Rosemary Kates
1Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, Camden, NJ, USA.
Nursing Management
|June 6, 2003
Summary
This review examines bradycardia, a condition of slow heart rate, and identifies common medications that may induce it. Understanding these drug-induced causes is crucial for patient safety and effective clinical management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Bradycardia, characterized by a slow heart rate, can result from various factors, including medication side effects.
- Identifying iatrogenic causes of bradycardia is essential for preventing adverse cardiovascular events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the association between bradycardia and pharmacologic agents.
- To provide clinicians with an updated overview of medications known to cause bradycardia.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of medical databases.
- Analysis of case reports, clinical trials, and pharmacological reviews.
- Categorization of medications based on their mechanism of action and association with bradycardia.
Main Results:
- Several drug classes are frequently implicated in causing bradycardia, including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and antiarrhythmics.
- Specific examples of commonly prescribed medications are detailed.
- The review highlights varying degrees of risk associated with different agents.
Conclusions:
- Medication-induced bradycardia is a significant clinical concern requiring vigilant monitoring.
- Awareness of causative agents aids in diagnosis and prevention of bradycardia.
- Further research into safer alternatives and management strategies is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Decreased pulse rate
Bradycardia is a medical condition in which the heart rate is slower than normal. It occurs when the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinus node, generates slower electrical impulses than the standard rhythm. In adults, bradycardia is diagnosed when the pulse rate falls below 60 beats per minute, indicating a deviation from the normal heart rate range.
There are specific risk factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing bradycardia. Advanced age is a significant factor, with bradycardia...
There are specific risk factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing bradycardia. Advanced age is a significant factor, with bradycardia...
01:24Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class II Agents as β-Adrenergic Blockers
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01:29Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
01:16ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that lead to abnormal heartbeats. These irregularities can originate from different parts of the heart and are classified based on their origin and nature.
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism, and...
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
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01:18Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
01:25Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias
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