Description

Bradycardia (brad-e-KAHR-dee-uh) is a slow heart rate. The hearts of adults at rest usually beat between 60 and 100 times per minute. If you have bradycardia, your heart beats less than 60 times per minute.

Bradycardia can be a serious problem if the heart rate is very slow, and the heart can't pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body. If this happens, you may feel dizzy, tired, or weak, and shortness of breath. Sometimes bradycardia doesn't cause symptoms or complications.

A slow heart rate is not always a concern. For example, a resting heart rate between 40 and 60 beats per minute is common in some people, particularly healthy young adults and trained athletes. It is also quite common during sleep.

If bradycardia is severe, a pacemaker may be needed to help the heart to beat at an appropriate rate.

Symptoms

A slower pace than the typical beat of the heart is called bradycardia. If the heartbeat is slow, stops the brain and other organs from getting enough oxygen, symptoms may include:

  • Pain in the chest.
  • Confusion or memory problems.
  • Dizziness or feeling light-headed.
  • Feeling very tired, especially during physical activity.
  • Fainting or nearly fainting.
  • Shortness of breath.

When to see a doctor

Many things can cause symptoms of bradycardia. It is important to obtain a rapid and accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. Make an appointment for a health checkup if you are worried about a slow heart rate.

If you faint, have difficulty breathing or pain in the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, call 911 or the emergency medical services.

Causes

Bradycardia can be caused by:

  • The heart tissue damage associated with aging.
  • The damage to the tissues of the heart, heart disease or a heart attack.
  • A condition of the heart that is born with, called a congenital defect of the heart.
  • The inflammation of the tissues of the heart, called myocarditis.
  • A complication of heart surgery.
  • An underactive thyroid gland, called hypothyroidism.
  • Changes in the level of the body of minerals such as potassium or calcium.
  • A sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Inflammatory disease, such as rheumatic fever or lupus.
  • Certain medications, such as sedatives, opioids, and some used to treat heart conditions and mental health.

To better understand the causes of bradycardia, it can help to know how the heart normally beats. The typical heart has four chambers.

  • The two upper chambers are called atria.
  • The two lower chambers are called the ventricles.

In the heart in the top right of the camera is a group of cells called the sinus node. The sinoatrial node is the natural pacemaker of the heart. Creates the signal that initiates each beat of the heart. Bradycardia occurs when these signals slow or crashes.

The things that cause changes in the heart of signaling that can lead to bradycardia include:

  • Bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome. In some people, the problems in the sinoatrial node in the upper part of the heart causes the alternation of slow and fast heart rate.
  • Heart block, also called atrioventricular block. In this condition, the electrical signals of the heart does not move correctly from the top of cameras, the lower chambers.

Risk factors

Bradycardia is often associated with damage to the tissues of the heart of some type of heart disease. Anything that increases the risk of heart problems may increase the risk of bradycardia. The risk factors include:

  • Advanced age.
  • The high blood pressure.
  • The habit of smoking.
  • The excessive use of alcohol.
  • Use of illegal drugs.
  • Stress and anxiety.

Complications

The possible complications of bradycardia include:

  • Frequent fainting spells.
  • Heart failure.
  • Sudden cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death.

Prevention

The prevention of heart disease can help reduce the risk of bradycardia.

The American Heart Association recommends these steps:

  • Get regular exercise. Ask your health care team about how much and what type of exercise is best for you.
  • Eating nutritious food. Eat a healthy diet, low in salt and solid fats and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease. Talk with your care team to set realistic goals for body mass index (BMI) and weight.
  • Control of blood pressure and cholesterol. High blood pressure and high cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease. Make lifestyle changes and take medications as directed to manage high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
  • Do not smoke or use tobacco. If you smoke and can't stop smoking on your own, talk to a health professional about the methods or programs of assistance.
  • Limit or do not drink alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
  • Manage stress. Intense emotions can affect the heart's rhythm. Do more exercise, the practice of mindfulness and connecting with others in support groups are some of the ways to reduce and manage stress.
  • Sleep well. Lack of sleep can increase the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. Adults should aim to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends. If you have trouble sleeping, talk with a health professional about strategies that might help.

It is important to have regular health screenings. If you already have heart disease, follow these steps to reduce your risk of irregular heartbeat:

  • Follow your treatment plan. Make sure you understand your treatment. Take all medications as directed by your health care team.
  • Tell your healthcare team if the symptoms change. Also tell your health care team if you have new symptoms.

Diagnosis

To diagnose bradycardia, a health care professional examines and listen to your heart with a stethoscope. Normally you have questions about your symptoms and medical history.

Tests

Tests may be done to check your heart and look for conditions that may cause bradycardia.

  • Blood tests. A sample of your blood can be tested to check for infection, and changes in the chemicals of the body, such as potassium. A blood test can also be done to check the function of the thyroid.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This is the main test used to diagnose bradycardia. An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart. It is shown how the heart is beating. Adhesive patches with sensors placed on the chest and sometimes the arms and legs. The wires connect the electrodes to a computer, which displays or prints the results.
  • Holter Monitor. If a standard ECG does not show an irregular heartbeat, your health care professional may suggest a Holter monitor. This portable ECG device is worn by a day or more. It records the activity of the heart during daily activities.
  • Event recorder. This device is similar to a Holter monitor, but the records only at certain times for a few minutes at a time. Normally you press a button when symptoms occur. It is used for up to 30 days or until symptoms occur.
  • Tilt table test. This test may be done if you have had fainting spells. A health care professional to check that your heart rate and blood pressure as you will lie on a table. The table is inclined to put in a standing position. The care provider watches how the heart and the nervous system respond to the change in the position.
  • Exercise stress test. Some irregular heartbeats are caused or aggravated by exercise. During a stress test, the heart of the activity was observed as you ride on a stationary bike or walking on a treadmill. If you can't do the exercise, you may administer a drug that affects the heart as the exercise you do.
  • Sleep study. A sleep study may be suggested if you have repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, called obstructive sleep apnea. This condition can cause changes in heart rhythm.

Treatment

The treatment of bradycardia depends on the severity of the symptoms and the cause of the slow heart rate. If you have no symptoms, treatment may not be necessary.

Bradycardia, treatment may include:

  • Life-style changes.
  • A change in medications.
  • A medical device called a pacemaker.

If another health problem, such as thyroid disease or sleep apnea, is causing the slowness of the heart rate, treatment of that condition may correct profound bradycardia.

Drugs

Many of the different medications that may affect the heart rhythm. Some may cause bradycardia. Always tell your health care team about all the medicines you take. Including those bought without a prescription.

If a medicine you are taking is the cause of the bradycardia, your health care professional may suggest a lower dose. Or you can change to a different medication.

Surgery or other procedures

If you have severe bradycardia symptoms and other treatments are not possible, your health care professional may suggest a device called a pacemaker.

A pacemaker is placed under the skin near the collarbone during a minor surgery. The device helps to troubleshoot a slow heartbeat. When the heart beats too slow, the pacemaker sends electrical signals to the heart to speed up the pace.

Preparing for your appointment

If you have an irregular heart rhythm, you may be referred to a doctor trained in heart disease. This type of health care professional is called a cardiologist.

Medical appointments can be brief. There's often A lot to discuss. So it's a good idea to be prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

  • Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do beforehand. For example, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything for a couple of hours before a cholesterol test.
  • Write down the symptoms you are experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the bradycardia.
  • Write important personal information, including a family history of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure or diabetes, and any major stresses or recent life changes.
  • Make a list of all the medicines, including those bought without a prescription. To include in the dose. Also the list of vitamins or supplements that you are taking.
  • Take someone with you, if possible. Someone who goes with you can help you remember the information they give you.
  • Write down questions to ask your health care team.

For bradycardia, basic questions to ask your health care team include:

  • What is likely causing my heart rate slow?
  • What tests do I need?
  • What is the most appropriate treatment?
  • What are the possible complications?
  • How will my heart is verified?
  • How often do I have any health examinations?
  • How will the other conditions that I have, or medications I take affect my irregular heartbeat?
  • Do I need to limit my activities?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare team will usually ask questions, such as:

  • Have you fainted?
  • Does anything, like exercise, making your symptoms worse?
  • Do you smoke?
  • You are receiving treatment for heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other conditions that may affect your heart?
Symptoms and treatment of Bradycardia