Tests and Diagnosis of Bradycardia

Once any symptom of bradycardia appears it is highly advisable to visit a cardiologist as soon as possible. The first step is to identify the main disorder which provoked bradycardia.

Bradycardia diagnosis includes:

• Electrocardiography (ECG) – helps detect rare heart rate, as well as the presence of any heart blockage;
• Holter monitoring – applied if no bradycardia episodes are detected during the standard ECG recording. This procedure is performed during the day;
• Echocardiography (heart ultrasound) – helps determine the decrease in ejection fraction, an increase in heart size, and sclerotic changes in the myocardium;
• Bicycle ergometry – helps evaluate heart rate increases associated with physical activity;
• Laboratory tests - complete and biochemical blood count, test for thyroid hormones;
• Control of the heart rate at home;
• Electrophysiological study.

Often bradycardia may develop with little to no symptoms; therefore, the onset of a condition such as "chronic fatigue" is a compelling reason to visit your cardiologist.

Next chapter: Bradycardia treatment and prevention