What should I do about sinus bradycardia?

Sinus bradycardia refers to a sinus rhythm in adults with a heart rate below 60 beats per minute (bpm). Management of sinus bradycardia can be approached from several perspectives: First, it is essential to assess the severity of the sinus bradycardia and the patient’s specific symptoms. In asymptomatic patients with sinus bradycardia and a heart rate between 50–60 bpm, no specific treatment is generally required; instead, close monitoring of electrocardiographic (ECG) changes and regular follow-up examinations are recommended. If sinus bradycardia is accompanied by symptoms such as chest tightness or dyspnea, supplemental oxygen may be administered to alleviate these symptoms. Additionally, if the heart rate falls below 50 bpm or symptoms are severe, pharmacologic therapy—under physician guidance—may be indicated. Commonly prescribed medications include oral atropine sulfate tablets and aminophylline tablets. In cases where sinus bradycardia coexists with other abnormal diagnostic findings or when the heart rate is critically low, surgical intervention may be considered. The primary surgical option is cardiac pacing—specifically, implantation of a permanent cardiac pacemaker into a cardiac chamber. This device delivers electrical impulses at a predetermined frequency via pacing electrodes to replace the function of the native sinoatrial node and drive myocardial contraction. Throughout treatment, patients should actively cooperate with their physicians’ recommendations—adhering strictly to prescribed medications and scheduled follow-up visits—while maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and a positive psychological outlook to facilitate optimal recovery.