Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)

Topic Overview

What is bradycardia?

Having bradycardia ( say “ bray-dee-KAR-dee-uh ” ) means that your heart beats identical slowly. For most people, a kernel rate of 60 to 100 beats a minute while at rest is considered normal. If your affection beats less than 60 times a minute, it is slower than normal. A slowly kernel rate can be normal and healthy. Or it could be a sign of a trouble with the heart ‘s electrical organization. For some people, a dull heart rate does not cause any problems. It can be a sign of being identical fit. Healthy new adults and athletes often have heart rates of less than 60 beats a moment. In other people, bradycardia is a sign of a problem with the heart ‘s electric system. It means that the heart ‘s natural pacemaker is n’t working right or that the electrical pathways of the heart are disrupted. sometimes, the heart beats so slowly that it does n’t pump adequate blood to meet the body ‘s needs. This can cause symptoms, such as feeling dizzy or decrepit. In some cases, it can be dangerous.

What causes bradycardia?

Bradycardia can be caused by many things. Examples include :

• Changes in the heart that are the result of aging.
• Diseases that damage the heart’s electrical system. These include coronary artery disease, kernel fire, and infections such as endocarditis and myocardial inflammation.
• Conditions that can slow electrical impulses through the heart. Examples include having a low thyroid level ( hypothyroidism) or an electrolyte asymmetry, such as too much potassium in the blood.
• Many types of medicines. Examples include antidepressants, heart medicines, and opioids.

What are the symptoms?

A very slow heart rate may cause you to :

• Feel dizzy or lightheaded.
• Feel short of breath and find it harder to exercise.
• Feel tired.
• Have chest pain or a feeling that your heart is pounding or fluttering (palpitations).
• Feel confused or have trouble concentrating.
• Faint, if a slow heart rate causes a drop in blood pressure.

Some people do n’t have symptoms, or their symptoms are so balmy that they think they are just separate of getting older. You can find out how fast your heart is beating by taking your pulse. If your heartbeat is dense or uneven, spill to your sophisticate.

How is bradycardia diagnosed?

Your doctor may take your pulse to diagnose bradycardia. Your repair might besides do a physical examination, ask questions about your past health, and do an electrocardiogram ( EKG or ECG ). An electrocardiogram measures the electrical signals that control heart rhythm. Bradycardia frequently comes and goes, thus a standard EKG done in the sophisticate ‘s function may not find it. An electrocardiogram can identify bradycardia lone if you are actually having it during the screen. You may need to wear or carry a device called a portable, or ambulant, electrocardiogram. Examples include a Holter monitor and a cardiac event proctor. You might use it for a day or more. It records your heart rhythm while you go about your daily act. You may besides have blood tests to find out if another trouble is causing your dull kernel pace.

How is it treated?

How bradycardia is treated depends on what is causing it. Treatment besides depends on the symptoms. If bradycardia does n’t cause symptoms, it may not be treated. You and your doctor can decide what treatment is right field for you.

• If damage to the heart’s electrical system causes your heart to beat too slowly, you will probably need to have a pacemaker. A pacemaker is an implanted device that helps correct the slow heart rate.
• If another medical problem, such as hypothyroidism or an electrolyte imbalance, is causing a slow heart rate, treating that problem may cure the bradycardia.
• If a medicine is causing your heart to beat too slowly, your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a different medicine.

The goal of treatment is to raise your heart rate and unbosom symptoms. For certain types of bradycardia, treatment may help prevent unplayful problems. These problems include fainting, injuries from faint, and even death.

What can you do at home for bradycardia?

Bradycardia is frequently the result of another heart condition, so taking steps to live a heart-healthy life style will normally improve your overall health. The steps include :

• Having a heart-healthy eating plan that includes vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish, and whole grains. Limit alcohol, sodium, and sugar.
• Being active on most, if not all, days of the week. Your doctor can tell you what level of exercise is safe for you.
• Losing weight if you need to, and staying at a healthy weight.
• Not smoking.
• Managing other health problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Get hand brake aid if you fainted or if you have symptoms of a heart attack or have severe shortness of breath. Call your doctor right field away if your kernel rate is slower than common, you feel like you might pass out, or you notice increase abruptness of breath.

Pacemakers Most people who get pacemakers lead normal, active lives. You will need to avoid things that have strong charismatic and electric fields. These can keep your device from working correct. But most electronic equipment and appliances are dependable to use. Your repair will check your pacemaker regularly. Call your sophisticate right aside if you have symptoms that could mean your device is n’t working right, such as :

• Your heartbeat is very fast or slow, skipping, or fluttering.
• You feel dizzy, lightheaded, or like you might faint.
• You have shortness of breath that is new or getting worse.