7 Common Symptoms of Bradycardia

Bradycardia can develop for several reasons, including:

• Age-related heart tissue damage
• Congenital heart defects
• Heart conditions like coronary artery disease
• Infections such as myocarditis or endocarditis
• Certain medications for heart problems or high blood pressure
• Medical conditions that interfere with the heart’s electrical signals, such as hypothyroidism or electrolyte imbalances
• Sleep apnea
• Inflammatory diseases like lupus or rheumatic fever

The heart’s natural pacemaker — the sinus node — controls its rhythm by sending electrical impulses across the atria. These signals prompt the heart to contract and pump blood. Bradycardia occurs when the sinus node slows down, pauses, or fails to fire properly, or when those impulses are delayed or blocked elsewhere in the conduction system.

If the heart beats too slowly, it may not pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the brain and body, causing symptoms such as:

• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• A fluttering or pounding heartbeat
• Difficulty concentrating or confusion
• Fainting spells

Symptoms can be mild and easy to overlook, especially in older adults. In some cases, people with bradycardia may not experience symptoms at all. A heart rate below 50 beats per minute is more likely to cause noticeable issues, though some individuals may tolerate it without problems.

You have a greater risk of developing bradycardia if you:

• Are 65 years of age or older
• Have some heart disease
• Take certain medications
• Have recently had heart surgery

The first thing your doctor is likely to do is to take your pulse. After doing a physical examination, he may want to do diagnostic tests. These help to confirm a diagnosis of bradycardia.

An electrocardiogram (ECG) tests heart rhythm. A problem with bradycardia is that it may not be consistent. A standard ECG may not pick it up if it isn’t happening during the test.

Your doctor may decide to do a portable electrocardiogram. You will have to wear a lightweight device (Holter monitor) for 24 hours or more. It records your heart rhythm while you go about your daily activities.

You may have blood tests to determine other possible causes of your slow heart rate.

The treatment for bradycardia depends on what is causing your symptoms. If you have no symptoms, you may not need any treatment. If hypothyroidism is causing your slow heart rate, adjusting medication is necessary.Your doctor may adjust your dose or prescribe a different medication if you are taking for high blood pressure or a heart condition.  At times if your heart's electrical system gets damaged. You have to follow the standard treatment. It is to implant a pacemaker. This device is implanted under the skin and corrects a slow heart rate.

A pacemaker consists of three elements. A pacemaker and a pacing lead go inside your body. The pacemaker is a little metal case. It contains electronic circuitry and a battery. The pacing lead is a wire that ferries electrical impulses from the pacemaker to the heart. Surgeons usually place these two elements on the right or left side of the chest or under the collarbone.

The pacemaker monitors the heart. If it detects a slow heart rhythm, it sends out electronic signals to correct it. The third element is a programmer that does not go inside the body. A doctor or nurse uses it to check on the pacemaker by using a special computer. They can make adjustments to settings if necessary.

The goal of treatment is to raise your heart rate to a normal level. The increase in your heart rate means your body gets the oxygenated blood it needs. If bradycardia is severe and it is not treated, it can cause serious problems.

You may faint and receive injuries from fainting. It is possible to have seizures, and at its worst, it may even cause death.

Bradycardia is often caused by damage to the heart from heart disease. Factors that increase heart disease risk also increase bradycardia risk. One of the best ways to prevent bradycardia is to make lifestyle changes. It decreases your risk of heart disease.

• Keep stress levels are under control
• Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Eat a healthy diet
• Exercise on a regular basis
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Don’t smoke
• Drink in moderation
• Don’t use recreational drugs

If you feel as though you’re going to pass out, experience severe shortness of breath or have chest pain that lasts for than a few minutes, don’t hesitate to call your doctor or get emergency assistance.