What is the primary treatment for symptomatic bradycardia?

The primary treatment for symptomatic bradycardia is the administration of atropine. Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that works by blocking the effects of the vagus nerve on the heart, leading to an increase in heart rate. It is particularly effective in cases where bradycardia is causing symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or syncope because it helps restore a more adequate heart rate and improve cardiac output.

In practice, atropine is typically the first-line pharmacological intervention in acute situations involving symptomatic bradycardia. Its rapid onset makes it suitable for immediate intervention in the setting of increased vagal tone or certain types of heart block.

Other treatment options such as epinephrine may be considered in specific circumstances or if the bradycardia is part of a wider clinical picture like cardiac arrest, but it is not primarily aimed at addressing isolated symptomatic bradycardia. Cardioversion is used for certain tachycardias, and defibrillation is indicated for ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, thus making them inappropriate choices for treating bradycardia.