Exploring the prevalence of undetected bradyarrhythmia in dementia with Lewy bodies

Abstract

Purpose To explore the prevalence of undetected bradyarrhythmia in a cohort of people with dementia with Lewy bodies. Methods Thirty participants diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies were enrolled from three memory clinics in southern Sweden between May 2021 and November 2022. None had a history of high-grade atrioventricular block or sick sinus syndrome. Each participant underwent orthostatic testing, cardiac [123I]metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy and 24-h ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring. Concluding bradyarrhythmia diagnosis was obtained until the end of December 2022. Results Thirteen participants (46.4%) had bradycardia at rest during orthostatic testing and four had an average heart rate < 60 beats per minute during ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring. Three participants (10.7%) received a diagnosis of sick sinus syndrome, of whom two received pacemaker implants to manage associated symptoms. None received a diagnosis of second- or third-degree atrioventricular block. Conclusion This report showed a high prevalence of sick sinus syndrome in a clinical cohort of people with dementia with Lewy bodies. Further research on the causes and consequences of sick sinus syndrome in dementia with Lewy bodies is thus warranted.