Anaphylaxis management
"anaphylaxis"[MeSH Terms] AND "management"[MeSH Terms]
anaphylaxis epinephrine treatment
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Foods | Peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs |
| Medications (IgE) | Beta-lactam antibiotics |
| Medications (non-IgE) | NSAIDs, radiocontrast media, opioids |
| Venoms | Hymenoptera (wasps, bees, fire ants) |
| Perioperative | Neuromuscular blockers, latex, chlorhexidine |
| Biologics | Monoclonal antibodies, chemotherapy agents |
| Idiopathic | ~20% of cases |
| System | Symptoms/Signs |
|---|---|
| Skin | Urticaria, flushing, angioedema, pruritus (~80-90% of cases) |
| Respiratory | Stridor, bronchospasm, dyspnea, rhinorrhea |
| Cardiovascular | Hypotension, tachycardia, syncope, dysrhythmia |
| GI | Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea |
| Neurological | Altered consciousness, dizziness, seizure |
Note: Cardiovascular collapse can occur without skin features, particularly with insect sting anaphylaxis or perioperative reactions.

Epinephrine is the sole first-line drug. There are no absolute contraindications. Antihistamines and corticosteroids are adjuncts only and must never precede or replace epinephrine.
| Drug | Indication | Dose |
|---|---|---|
| H1 antihistamine (diphenhydramine) | Skin symptoms, itch | Adults: 25-50 mg IM/IV; Children: 12.5-25 mg IM/IV |
| H2 antihistamine (famotidine/ranitidine) | Adjunct to H1 | Adults: 20 mg IV |
| Corticosteroids (methylprednisolone) | Adjunct - no acute benefit; may reduce biphasic risk (unproven) | Adults: 125-250 mg IV; Children: 1-2 mg/kg IV |
| Glucagon | Beta-blocker on board, epinephrine-refractory | 1-5 mg IV over 5 min, then 5-15 mcg/min infusion |
| Albuterol (inhaled) | Bronchospasm | 2.5 mg nebulized |
Corticosteroids have no significant immediate effect and do not reliably prevent biphasic reactions, but are commonly given. They should never delay epinephrine. - Washington Manual
Antihistamines relieve skin symptoms and may shorten reaction duration but have no effect on cardiovascular or respiratory components.
| Vasopressor | Dose |
|---|---|
| Norepinephrine | 0.05-0.5 mcg/kg/min IV (titrate) |
| Dopamine | 5-20 mcg/kg/min IV (titrate) |
| Phenylephrine | 1-5 mcg/kg/min IV |
| Vasopressin | 0.01-0.04 units/min IV |
| Situation | Disposition |
|---|---|
| Complete symptom resolution, low risk | Observe minimum 1 hour, then discharge |
| Increased biphasic risk factors (see above) | Observe 4-6 hours minimum |
| Protracted anaphylaxis, significant hypotension, airway involvement, >2 epinephrine doses | Hospitalize |
| Poor social support or unable to obtain auto-injector | Hospitalize |
How to diagnose anaphylaxis and management
anaphylaxis diagnosis criteria
Key point: Criterion 2 catches anaphylaxis without skin features - this occurs in cardiovascular collapse from insect stings or perioperative reactions and is frequently missed.
| System | Frequency | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Skin/Mucosal | 80-90% | Urticaria, flushing, pruritus, angioedema, swelling of lips/tongue/uvula |
| Respiratory | 70-80% | Stridor (laryngeal edema), bronchospasm, wheeze, cough, chest tightness, dyspnea |
| Cardiovascular | 30-50% | Hypotension, tachycardia, dysrhythmia, syncope |
| GI | 25-30% | Crampy pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (more common in elderly and food-triggered) |
| CNS | 20-30% | Dizziness, altered consciousness, seizure (from hypoperfusion) |
Note: In infants and children, hypotension is uncommon; skin and respiratory features predominate.
| Test | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Serum tryptase | Peak 60-90 min; measurable up to 5 h after onset | Most reliable biomarker; correlates with mast cell activation. Best for venom/drug-induced; may be normal in food-induced anaphylaxis |
| Serum histamine | Within <1 hour of onset | Very short half-life - rarely useful clinically |
| Serum IgE testing | After the acute episode | Confirms specific allergen sensitization |
| Skin prick testing | Outpatient, weeks later | Gold standard for allergy workup |
| Formula for acute tryptase | (1.2 × baseline) + 2 | A level above this supports anaphylaxis over elevated baseline (e.g., hereditary alpha-tryptasemia) |
"The absence of an elevated tryptase level does not exclude anaphylaxis." - Washington Manual
| Condition | How to Distinguish |
|---|---|
| Mastocytosis | Elevated baseline tryptase; spindle-shaped mast cells on bone marrow biopsy |
| Pheochromocytoma | Elevated urine metanephrines |
| Carcinoid syndrome | Elevated urine 5-HIAA |
| Hereditary angioedema (HAE) | Decreased C4 during attacks; no urticaria |
| Acquired angioedema | Decreased C1q |
| Scombroid fish poisoning | Tryptase not elevated; negative skin test and challenge to fish |
| Vasovagal syncope | Bradycardia (not tachycardia); no urticaria, no bronchospasm |
| Panic attack | No objective signs; normal vitals and exam |
| Systemic capillary leak syndrome | Severe hypotension; no response to epinephrine/antihistamines |

Epinephrine is the sole first-line drug. Delay is associated with hypoxic encephalopathy and death. There are NO absolute contraindications in anaphylaxis.
| Patient | Dose | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 0.3-0.5 mg (0.3-0.5 mL of 1:1000 / 1 mg/mL) | IM anterolateral thigh (vastus lateralis) |
| Children | 0.01 mg/kg of 1:1000 solution (max 0.5 mg) | IM anterolateral thigh |
| Receptor | Effect |
|---|---|
| α1 | Vasoconstriction, ↑ peripheral resistance, ↓ mucosal edema |
| β1 | Positive inotropy and chronotropy |
| β2 | Bronchodilation; stabilizes mast cells/basophils → ↓ further mediator release |
| Drug | Dose (Adult) | Dose (Child) | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diphenhydramine (H1) | 50 mg IV/IM | 1 mg/kg IV/IM | Relieves skin symptoms; no effect on CVS/respiratory |
| Famotidine (H2) | 40 mg IV | 0.5 mg/kg IV | Adjunct to H1 blockade |
| Methylprednisolone | 125-250 mg IV | 1-2 mg/kg IV | No acute benefit; possibly reduces biphasic (unproven) |
| Prednisone (oral) | 40-60 mg | 1-2 mg/kg | Alternative oral steroid |
Corticosteroids have no significant immediate effect and reliable evidence showing they prevent biphasic reactions is lacking. They must never precede or delay epinephrine.
| Vasopressor | Dose |
|---|---|
| Norepinephrine | 0.05-0.5 mcg/kg/min IV (titrate) |
| Dopamine | 5-20 mcg/kg/min IV (titrate) |
| Phenylephrine | 1-5 mcg/kg/min IV |
| Vasopressin | 0.01-0.04 units/min IV |
1 dose of epinephrine required
| Clinical Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Complete symptom resolution, low risk | Minimum 1 hour observation, then discharge (95% NPV for biphasic at 1 hr) |
| Any biphasic risk factor present | 4-6 hours observation minimum (97.3% NPV at 6 hr) |
| Protracted anaphylaxis, significant airway involvement, hypertension, >2 epinephrine doses | Hospitalize |
| Poor social support, unable to obtain auto-injector | Hospitalize |
| Priority | Action |
|---|---|
| #1 | Recognize anaphylaxis using NIAID/FAAN criteria |
| #2 | Give IM epinephrine (lateral thigh) immediately |
| #3 | Supine positioning + IV access + O2 |
| #4 | IV fluids for hypotension |
| #5 | Secure airway early if compromise present |
| #6 | Adjuncts (antihistamines, steroids) - second-line only |
| #7 | Observe for biphasic reaction |
| #8 | Discharge with auto-injector + action plan + follow-up |
Sinus bradycardia under evaluation
sinus bradycardia evaluation management
Rates of 45-50 bpm at rest can be physiologically normal in athletes and during sleep. A rate < 40 bpm is more specific for significant sinus node dysfunction (SND).

| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Metabolic/Endocrine | Hypothyroidism, hypothermia, hypoxia, electrolyte disturbances |
| Neurological | Increased intracranial pressure, vagal reflex (cough, pain, vomiting, visceral stimulation) |
| Cardiac | Acute inferior/right coronary MI (SA nodal artery), myocarditis, sick sinus syndrome, post-cardiac surgery, post-heart transplant |
| Infectious | Lyme disease, COVID-19 |
| Autonomic | Vasovagal (cardioinhibitory), carotid sinus hypersensitivity, spinal cord injury |
| Other | Sleep apnea, hemoperitoneum |
| Drug Class | Specific Agents |
|---|---|
| Cardiac antihypertensives | Beta-blockers (including ophthalmic beta-blocker drops), non-DHP calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, verapamil), clonidine, methyldopa |
| Antiarrhythmics | Amiodarone, dronedarone, flecainide, propafenone, sotalol, quinidine |
| Cardiac glycosides | Digoxin |
| Psychoactive | SSRIs, TCAs, lithium, opioid analgesics, phenothiazines, phenytoin, cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil), cannabis |
| Anesthetic/other | Propofol, muscle relaxants, ivabradine, remdesivir, reserpine |
Note: Beta-blocker eye drops for glaucoma are a frequently overlooked cause of systemic bradycardia.
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Sinus bradycardia | Rate < 60 bpm from SA node |
| Sinus pause / arrest | Failure of SA node to discharge; pause > 2-3 seconds |
| Sinoatrial exit block | SA node fires but impulse fails to reach atrium; classified as 1st, 2nd (Mobitz I/II), 3rd degree |
| Chronotropic incompetence | Failure to increase HR appropriately with exertion; max HR < 100 bpm on maximal exercise |
| Tachy-brady syndrome | Alternating bradyarrhythmia (sinus arrest) and tachyarrhythmia (usually AF); sinus pauses most evident after AF terminates |
| Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) | Any of the above causing symptoms (fatigue, dizziness, syncope, worsening HF) |
Asymptomatic sinus bradycardia has not been associated with adverse outcomes and does not typically warrant treatment.

| Test | Rationale |
|---|---|
| TSH | Rule out hypothyroidism |
| Electrolytes (K+, Ca2+, Mg2+) | Electrolyte-induced bradycardia |
| Blood glucose | Hypoglycemia |
| Lyme serology | If exposure history or endemic area |
| Drug levels | Digoxin toxicity |
| CBC | Systemic illness contributing |
| Monitoring Type | Duration | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| Holter monitor | 24-48 hours | Daily symptoms |
| Extended Holter | 7-14 days | Less frequent symptoms |
| Event recorder (patient-activated) | Up to 30 days | Infrequent symptoms |
| Implantable loop recorder (ILR) | Up to 3 years | Very infrequent episodes, unexplained syncope |

| Treatment | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Atropine (first-line) | 1 mg IV q3-5 min; max 3 mg | Blocks vagal tone; works at SA and AV node |
| Dopamine infusion | 5-20 mcg/kg/min IV | If atropine fails |
| Epinephrine infusion | 2-10 mcg/min IV | Alternative to dopamine |
| Isoproterenol | 2-10 mcg/min IV | Specifically for post-heart transplant (atropine ineffective due to cardiac denervation) |
| Transcutaneous pacing | Rate 60-80 bpm | Rarely needed for sinus bradycardia; bridging measure |
| Transvenous temporary pacing | Rate 60-80 bpm | For refractory cases while awaiting definitive therapy |
Atropine is ineffective in post-cardiac transplant patients because the transplanted heart is denervated.
| Class | Indication |
|---|---|
| I (Indicated) | Symptoms directly attributable to SND |
| I (Indicated) | Symptomatic bradycardia from guideline-directed necessary drug therapy with no alternative |
| IIa (Reasonable) | Tachy-brady syndrome with bradycardia symptoms |
| IIa (Reasonable) | Symptomatic chronotropic incompetence |
| IIb (May consider) | Uncertain symptom-rhythm correlation - trial of oral theophylline first |
| III (Harmful) | Asymptomatic SND |
| Situation | Recommended Pacing Mode |
|---|---|
| SND with intact AV conduction | Single-chamber atrial (AAI) pacing (Class I) |
| SND with uncertain/absent AV conduction | Dual-chamber (DDD) pacing (Class I) |
| Infrequent pacing expected or significant comorbidities | Single-chamber ventricular (VVI) acceptable (Class IIa) |
| Dual-chamber PPM with intact AV conduction | Program to minimize RV pacing (Class IIa) |
Atrial-based pacing is preferred over single-chamber ventricular pacing - reduces incidence of AF, pacemaker syndrome, and heart failure.
| Situation | Key Consideration |
|---|---|
| Post-heart transplant | Normal resting HR is 90-110 bpm; "normal" rate may be relative bradycardia; use isoproterenol, not atropine |
| Post-cardiac surgery | SA nodal artery may be injured; temporary pacing usually sufficient while awaiting recovery |
| Acute inferior MI | Bradycardia is often transient (vagal); treat if hemodynamically compromised; rarely needs PPM |
| Spinal cord injury | Parasympathetic dominance; triggers include suctioning and turning; theophylline/aminophylline can help |
| Tachy-brady syndrome | Treat the tachycardia (antiarrhythmics, catheter ablation); PPM required if arrhythmia control not achievable |
| Beta-blocker on board | Glucagon 1-5 mg IV (bypasses beta-receptors) for refractory bradycardia |
| Athletes | Sinus bradycardia down to 30s is physiologic; evaluation only if symptomatic |
Sinus Bradycardia Found
↓
Symptomatic? (fatigue, dizziness, syncope, exercise intolerance)
↙ ↘
NO YES
Observe Review medications → Stop offending drug if possible
Check TSH, electrolytes, ECG for MI
Echo (if structural disease suspected)
Ambulatory monitor for symptom-rhythm correlation
↓
Symptoms correlate with bradycardia?
↙ ↘
YES UNCERTAIN
Permanent Oral theophylline
Pacemaker trial → If responds → PPM
(Class I) If not → Observe
Bradycardia
bradycardia conduction disease management guidelines
Bradycardia
├── SA Node Level
│ ├── Sinus bradycardia
│ ├── Sinus pause / arrest
│ ├── Sinoatrial exit block (1st, 2nd, 3rd degree)
│ ├── Sick sinus syndrome (SSS)
│ └── Tachy-brady (bradycardia-tachycardia) syndrome
│
└── AV Conduction Level
├── First-degree AV block
├── Second-degree AV block
│ ├── Mobitz Type I (Wenckebach) - AV nodal
│ └── Mobitz Type II - Infranodal
├── High-grade (advanced) AV block
└── Third-degree (complete) AV block

| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ECG | PR interval > 0.20 s (200 ms); every P followed by QRS |
| QRS | Usually narrow |
| Mechanism | Slowed conduction at AV node (most common), rarely His-Purkinje |
| Significance | Normal variant in up to 2% of healthy young adults; benign |
| Treatment | None; avoid nodal blocking agents |

| Feature | Mobitz Type I (Wenckebach) | Mobitz Type II |
|---|---|---|
| ECG | Progressive PR lengthening → dropped beat | Constant PR interval → sudden dropped beat without warning |
| QRS | Usually narrow | Usually wide (bundle branch block pattern) |
| Location | AV node | Infranodal (His-Purkinje) |
| Conduction | Decremental (increasing fatigue) | All-or-none (no fatigue) |
| Clinical setting | Inferior MI, digoxin/beta-blocker, high vagal tone, benign | Anteroseptal MI, Lenegre disease, cardiomyopathy - often chronic |
| Response to atropine | Improves | Worsens |
| Response to exercise | Improves | Worsens |
| Prognosis | Generally benign; transient in inferior MI | Worse - precursor to complete heart block |
| Treatment | Usually none; monitor | Pacemaker if severe |
When the ratio is exactly 2:1, type cannot be distinguished without longer strip - a prolonged PR makes Mobitz I more likely; wide QRS makes Mobitz II more likely.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ECG | Complete dissociation of P waves and QRS complexes; P rate > QRS rate |
| P waves | Regular at sinus rate (faster) |
| QRS | Regular but independent (escape rhythm); narrow if junctional (40-60 bpm), wide if ventricular (20-40 bpm) |
| PR interval | No consistent relationship - varies randomly |
| Causes | Senescent degeneration, acute ischemia (inferior or anterior MI), Lyme disease, Chagas disease, drugs, congenital |
| Symptoms | Fatigue, syncope (Stokes-Adams attacks), heart failure |
| Treatment | Pacemaker (permanent) - always required if symptomatic |
| Category | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Physiologic | Athletes, sleep, high vagal tone, young adults |
| Cardiac | Acute inferior MI (SA/AV nodal ischemia via RCA), anterior MI (AV/infranodal block via LAD), myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, post-cardiac surgery/transplant |
| Metabolic | Hypothyroidism, hypothermia, hyperkalemia, hypoxia, hypoglycemia |
| Neurological | Increased intracranial pressure, vagal reflex (vomiting, cough, pain, Valsalva), vasovagal syncope, carotid sinus hypersensitivity, spinal cord injury |
| Infectious | Lyme disease (AV block), Chagas disease, COVID-19, endocarditis |
| Infiltrative | Sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, hemochromatosis |
| Autoimmune | SLE (congenital complete heart block via anti-Ro/La), myocarditis |
| Class | Agents |
|---|---|
| Beta-blockers | All, including ophthalmic drops (timolol) |
| Non-DHP calcium channel blockers | Diltiazem, verapamil |
| Antiarrhythmics | Amiodarone, dronedarone, sotalol, flecainide, propafenone |
| Cardiac glycosides | Digoxin |
| Antihypertensives | Clonidine, methyldopa, ivabradine |
| Psychoactive | SSRIs, TCAs, lithium, opioids, phenothiazines, donepezil, phenytoin |
| Anesthetic/other | Propofol, dexmedetomidine, succinylcholine, remdesivir, cannabis |
| Symptom | Notes |
|---|---|
| Fatigue, weakness | Most common; often underappreciated |
| Dizziness, presyncope | Particularly with position change |
| Syncope (Stokes-Adams attacks) | Sudden LOC without warning - hallmark of complete AV block or sick sinus; no prodrome unlike vasovagal |
| Palpitations | From escape beats or in tachy-brady syndrome |
| Exercise intolerance | Especially with chronotropic incompetence |
| Worsening heart failure | Reduced cardiac output |
| Cognitive slowing | Particularly in elderly |
| Chest pain | If bradycardia causing demand ischemia |
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Dose | 0.5-1 mg IV bolus, repeat every 3-5 min to max 3 mg |
| Mechanism | Blocks muscarinic vagal tone at SA and AV nodes |
| Works for | Sinus bradycardia, Mobitz I, vagally-mediated bradycardia |
| Does NOT work well for | Mobitz II, complete AV block (infranodal - no vagal innervation below AV node) |
| Avoid in | Acute ischemia/MI (can worsen ischemia by increasing HR); infranodal blocks |
| Ineffective in | Post-cardiac transplant (denervated heart) |
| Treatment | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transcutaneous pacing | Rate 60-80 bpm | Immediate bridge; uncomfortable - sedate if possible |
| Dopamine infusion | 5-20 mcg/kg/min IV | Chronotropic + vasopressor effect |
| Epinephrine infusion | 2-10 mcg/min IV | Alternative to dopamine |
| Isoproterenol | 2-10 mcg/min IV | Post-transplant bradycardia (beta-1 agonist, bypasses vagal block) |
| Glucagon | 1-5 mg IV then 5-15 mcg/min infusion | Beta-blocker or CCB overdose (bypasses blocked receptors via cAMP) |
| Transvenous temporary pacing | Rate 60-80 bpm | Definitive bridge for unstable patients |
| Class | Indication |
|---|---|
| I - Indicated | Symptomatic bradycardia or syncope directly attributable to SND |
| I - Indicated | Symptomatic bradycardia from necessary guideline-directed drug therapy (no alternative) |
| IIa - Reasonable | Symptomatic tachy-brady syndrome |
| IIa - Reasonable | Symptomatic chronotropic incompetence |
| IIb - May consider | Uncertain symptom-rhythm correlation; trial of theophylline first |
| III - Harmful | Asymptomatic sinus bradycardia |
| Arrhythmia | Pacemaker Need | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First-degree AV block | None | Benign; monitor |
| Mobitz I (Wenckebach) | None usually | Treat underlying cause; pacemaker if severely symptomatic |
| Mobitz II | Yes (if significant) | Can progress to complete block; pacemaker strongly considered |
| High-grade AV block | Yes | Treat as complete block |
| Third-degree (complete) | Yes - almost always | Permanent pacemaker; temporary pacing as bridge |
| Situation | Preferred Mode |
|---|---|
| SND with intact AV conduction | AAI (single-chamber atrial) |
| SND with uncertain AV conduction | DDD (dual-chamber) |
| AV block with intact sinus function | DDD (dual-chamber) |
| Significant comorbidities, infrequent pacing expected | VVI (single-chamber ventricular) acceptable |
| DDD + intact AV conduction | Program to minimize RV pacing |
Atrial-based pacing is preferred over single-chamber ventricular pacing - reduces AF incidence, pacemaker syndrome, and heart failure.
| Rhythm | ECG Key Feature | Clinical Risk | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sinus bradycardia | Normal P, rate < 60 | Low if asymptomatic | Observe; atropine if symptomatic |
| Sinus arrest | Absent P, pause not multiple of P-P | Moderate | Treat cause; PPM if recurrent |
| First-degree AV block | PR > 200 ms, all P conducted | None | No treatment |
| Mobitz I (Wenckebach) | PR lengthens → dropped beat | Low | Observe; treat cause |
| Mobitz II | Constant PR → sudden dropped beat | High - risk of complete block | PPM; atropine ineffective |
| Complete (3rd degree) AV block | P and QRS dissociated | High - syncope, death | Temporary then permanent pacemaker |
| Sick sinus syndrome | Variable - brady ± tachy | Moderate-high | PPM; treat tachyarrhythmia |
| Tachy-brady syndrome | AF/SVT alternating with sinus pause | Moderate-high | PPM + antiarrhythmic or ablation |
Can hypotension cause bradycardia
Hypotension → ↓ baroreceptor firing → ↑ sympathetic outflow + ↓ parasympathetic tone → tachycardia + vasoconstriction → restored BP
"Pressure receptors in the wall of the left ventricle respond by sending signals that trigger paradoxical bradycardia and decreased contractility, resulting in sudden marked hypotension." - Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology
| Trigger | Setting |
|---|---|
| Myocardial ischemia / reperfusion | During acute MI (especially inferior), post-thrombolysis |
| Radiocontrast agents | During coronary angiography |
| Spinal / neuraxial anesthesia | Hypotension after spinal block → reflex bradycardia worsens hypotension |
| Severe ventricular underfilling | Hypovolemia, hemorrhage (paradoxical) |
| Serotonin-releasing stimuli | Chemical exposures, capsaicin |
"The Bezold–Jarisch reflex responds to noxious ventricular stimuli... by inducing the triad of hypotension, bradycardia, and coronary artery dilatation." - Miller's Anesthesia 10E
"Activation of 5-HT3 receptors... in response to systemic hypotension increases efferent vagal signaling, producing bradycardia, reduced cardiac output, and worsened hypotension." - Barash Clinical Anesthesia
| Drug | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Beta-blockers | ↓ HR (chronotropy) + ↓ CO → hypotension |
| Non-DHP calcium channel blockers (verapamil, diltiazem) | ↓ HR + vasodilation → hypotension |
| Digoxin toxicity | Vagal activation → bradycardia/AV block + low CO |
| Clonidine / dexmedetomidine | Central α2 agonist → ↓ sympathetic tone → both bradycardia + hypotension |
| Propofol | Vasodilation + impairs baroreceptor reflex → hypotension; may trigger Bezold-Jarisch bradycardia |
| Opioids | Vagotonia + vasodilation |
| Mechanism | Example |
|---|---|
| Bezold-Jarisch reflex | Inferior MI, spinal anesthesia, severe hypovolemia |
| Vasovagal syncope | Prolonged standing, pain, emotional stress |
| Carotid sinus hypersensitivity | Pressure on neck |
| Drug effects | Beta-blockers, verapamil, clonidine, propofol overdose |
| Acute inferior MI | SA/AV nodal ischemia + RV failure |
| Tension pneumothorax | Obstructive shock → ↓ venous return → Bezold-Jarisch |
| Anaphylaxis | Hypotension dominant; bradycardia can occur if Bezold-Jarisch activated |