Bradycardia

Bradycardia may be an acute or chronic problem depending upon the etiology. It may resolve and never recur if the inciting event is treated or removed (e.g., hypothyroidism, electrolyte derangements, or medications). However, for patients with an underlying conduction system disease, bradycardia will require frequent follow-up, with long-term and sometimes lifelong therapy for those with a pacemaker. The prognosis for patients who are symptomatic from bradycardia is poor if they are not treated with a pacemaker. Treatment with a pacemaker produces an excellent prognosis in these patients.