Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate): When To Call A Doctor

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When to Call a Doctor

Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Fainting
• Severe shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Signs of a heart attack or stroke

You can find out your heart rate by checking your pulse .

Call your health professional immediately if you have both a slower-than-usual heart rate and you:

• Feel like you might pass out.
• Have a pacemaker.
• Notice increased shortness of breath.
• Notice swelling in your feet and ankles.

Note that increased shortness of breath or swelling in your feet and ankles may be early symptoms of heart failure.

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting, which is taking a wait-and-see approach, is not appropriate if you have symptoms that may be caused by a slow heart rate.

Who to See

The following health professionals can evaluate symptoms of a slow heart rate:

• Family medicine doctor
• Internist
• Cardiologist
• Nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant

Last updated:	July 07, 2007
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Laurence Epstein, MD - Cardiac Electrophysiologist
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC