Bradycardia

Treatment

At Mayo Clinic, a team of cardiologists and other medical specialists collaborate to determine the most effective bradycardia treatment for each patient. Mayo Clinic cardiologists have experience and expertise in accurately diagnosing and effectively treating all types of arrhythmias, including bradycardia. The goal of bradycardia treatment is to restore the heart to normal rhythm. In many cases, bradycardia treatment for patients involves a pacemaker and follow-up care.

Pacemakers

A pacemaker is a medical device that helps regulate the heartbeat. The device, smaller than a matchbox, is placed under the skin near the collarbone. A wire extends from the device to the heart. If a pacemaker detects that the heart rate is too slow or the heart is not beating, it emits electrical impulses that stimulate the heart to speed up or resume beating.

Follow-up Care

Many patients have benefited from Mayo Clinic's cardiac rehabilitation program while recovering from heart surgery or following implantation of medical heart devices. The program starts with a walking schedule for the first six to eight weeks after surgery and progresses to more vigorous, supervised physical training.

Mayo Clinic also provides long-term care for patients with pacemakers to monitor and adjust the medical devices, as necessary.