Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)

Medicines that increase heart rate are used to treat bradycardia in an emergency situation. This is needed if your heart rate slows suddenly, such as after a heart attack, or when your heart rhythm needs to be stabilized for a short time, such as when waiting to get a pacemaker. There are no medicines that effectively treat bradycardia for the long term.

If you have episodes of a slow heart rate alternating with a rapid, irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation), you may have a higher risk for stroke. With atrial fibrillation, erratic electrical impulses cause the upper chambers of the heart (atria) to fibrillate, or quiver. Because the atria do not pump effectively, blood pools there and can clot. If the clot moves, it can cause a stroke.

A pacemaker is usually used along with anticoagulant medicines, which reduce the risk of clotting and stroke. Also, you may need to take medicine to prevent a fast heart rate or a slow heart rate during these episodes.

What to Think About

Medicines that increase the heart rate can make your heart work harder. As a result, they are only used with caution if you have a weakened heart, such as with heart failure, or you have had a heart attack.