What are the signs of unstable bradycardia in adults?

The identification of unstable bradycardia in adults hinges on certain clinical signs, one of which is hypotension. When systolic blood pressure falls below 100 mmHg, it indicates that the heart is not pumping effectively enough to maintain adequate blood flow to vital organs. This can result from a slow heart rate (bradycardia), where the heart beats too slowly to meet the body's demands for oxygen and nutrients. Essentially, hypotension in the context of bradycardia signifies that the heart's lower rate is leading to insufficient systemic perfusion, making this a critical sign of instability.

Vital signs play a crucial role in determining the stability of a patient with bradycardia. For instance, a systolic blood pressure over 110 mmHg suggests sufficient cardiac output and perfusion, therefore signaling stability rather than instability. Marked tachycardia, on the other hand, is the opposite of bradycardia, indicating a rapid heart rate rather than a slow one, which would not be relevant when assessing bradycardia. Lastly, while chest pain and shortness of breath can accompany bradycardia, they are more generalized symptoms and not definitive signs of unstable bradycardia specifically. Therefore, hypotension with an