What should I do now?
Call 911
Call 911 for fainting, chest pressure, severe trouble breathing, or severe dizziness that makes you feel you may pass out. Do not drive yourself.
Contact your care team
Contact your care team for new dizziness, unusual fatigue, near-fainting, or a drop in activity. Report device-site concerns promptly after implantation.
Keep your care plan
Keep your treatment and follow-up plan. Bring questions, readings, and your medication list.
SECTION 2
What symptoms can a slow heartbeat or heart block cause?
When the heart beats too slowly, it may not deliver enough blood to meet your body’s needs. Symptoms can occur continuously or come and go.
What might I notice?
- Fatigue or weakness: Feeling unusually tired during everyday activities.
- Reduced exercise tolerance: Becoming exhausted more easily when walking or climbing stairs.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Feeling faint or passing out: Sometimes caused by a very slow rate or a pause.
- Shortness of breath.
- Difficulty concentrating or confusion.
- Chest discomfort.
Symptoms can also have other causes. Recording your heart rhythm helps determine whether a slow heartbeat is responsible.
Can I have no symptoms?
Yes. Some slow heart rates are normal, and mild conduction delays may cause no symptoms. However, certain serious forms of heart block still need treatment even when you feel well.
When should I seek help?
Contact your care team for new dizziness, unexplained fatigue, or a decline in your usual activity level.
Call 911 for fainting, chest pain or pressure, severe shortness of breath, or severe dizziness that makes you feel you may pass out. Do not drive yourself.
Updated October 2026. Educational information; your own care plan may differ. Heart illustrations are simplified for teaching.