Slow Heartbeat
Alternate Names : Bradycardia
How is the condition diagnosed?
The speed of the heartbeat can usually be measured by checking
the pulse
or listening to the heartbeat with a stethoscope.
The doctor will also need to figure out the cause
of a slow heartbeat. Diagnosis of the cause starts with a medical history
and physical exam. This may be all that is needed in some cases. In other
cases, further tests may be needed.
For example, an electrocardiogram, also known as an
EKG,
can help diagnose irregular heartbeats and heart attacks. A series of blood
tests known as thyroid function tests
can be used to diagnose low thyroid levels. A drug test of the urine or blood
can be used to diagnose heroin use. A special X-ray test called a
cranial CT scan
may be done to look for head injuries or brain damage.
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