Sinus Bradycardia on ECG

Sinus Bradycardia on ECG

Sinus bradycardia on ECG is characterised by regular P waves preceding every QRS complex, at a rate below 60 per minute. P wave originating from the sinus node is usually upright in inferior leads (II, III and aVF).

Important causes of sinus bradycardia

Sinus bradycardia can be seen in vagotonic states like athlete’s heart [1] and in raised intracranial tension. Another common cause is suppression of the sinus node by beta blockers. In early stages of inferior wall myocardial infarction, sinus bradycardia is often observed [2]. Sinus bradycardia also occurs during vasovagal syncope. Hypothyroidism is another important cause of sinus bradycardia. Sinus bradycardia is also fairly common in the elderly, with one study noting it in around one fifth of those above 60 years [3]. Sinus bradycardia is a classical feature in hypothermia [4].

Sinus bradycardia was noted in 51% of a group of 330 competitive rowers [5]. Acute organophosphorus poisoning can present with sinus bradycardia [6]. Sick sinus syndrome often manifests with severe and symptomatic sinus bradycardia, though other manifestations like long sinus pauses and tachyarrhythmias with tachy-brady syndrome are likely. Alcohol induced sinus bradycardia can present with recurrent syncope [7]. Ictal sinus bradycardia can occur occasionally with temporal lobe epilepsy [8].

References

1. Pokan R, Huonker M, Schumacher M, Zweiker R, Eber B, Starz I, Klein W. ECG of the athlete’s heart. Acta Med Austriaca. 1994;21(3):76-82.
   
2. Simon R, Angehrn W. Right ventricular involvement in infero-posterior myocardial infarct: clinical significance of ECG diagnosis. Schweiz Med Wochenschr. 1993 Aug 10;123(31-32):1499-507.
3. Devkota KC, Thapamagar SB, Bista B, Malla S. ECG findings in elderly. Nepal Med Coll J. 2006 Jun;8(2):128-32.
4. Drake CE, Flowers NC. ECG changes in hypothermia from sepsis and unrelated to exposure. Chest. 1980 May;77(5):685-6.
5. Wasfy MM, DeLuca J, Wang F, Berkstresser B, Ackerman KE, Eisman A, Lewis GD, Hutter AM, Weiner RB, Baggish AL. ECG findings in competitive rowers: normative data and the prevalence of abnormalities using contemporary screening recommendations. Br J Sports Med. 2015 Feb;49(3):200-6.
6. Paul UK, Bhattacharyya AK. ECG manifestations in acute organophosphorus poisoning. J Indian Med Assoc. 2012 Feb;110(2):98, 107-8.
7. Trejbal K, Mitro P. ECG changes in alcoholic intoxication. Vnitr Lek. 2008 Apr;54(4):410-4.
8. Li LM, Roche J, Sander JW. Ictal ECG changes in temporal lobe epilepsy. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 1995 Sep;53(3-B):619-24.