Bradycardia

What is Bradycardia?

• Bradycardia is a slower heart rate than normal. The normal heart rate lies between 60 to 100 beats per minute during resting position, whereas in bradycardia it is less than 60 beats per minute.
• Bradycardia becomes a serious problem when the heart does not pump oxygen-rich blood to other parts of the body.
• However, in some individuals like athletics, bradycardia is not a serious problem.

What are the symptoms of Bradycardia?

• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Syncope (Fainting)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• The trouble with physical activity or exercise

What are the causes of Bradycardia?

• Heart-related problems like heart block, the problem with sinus node, Lyme disease or congenital heart disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Imbalance of potassium or calcium levels in the blood
• Medication used to correct heart rate and rhythm
• Trauma
• Radiation therapy

What increases the risk of Bradycardia?

• Older age
• Hypertension (High blood pressure)
• Diabetes (High blood sugar levels)
• Smoking
• Alcohol intake
• Stress or anxiety

What are the complications of Bradycardia?

• Heart failure
• Cardiac arrest
• Sudden death

How is Bradycardia diagnosed?

• Electrocardiogram: This is a noninvasive test, to check the electrical activity of the heart which determines rate and rhythm.
• Echocardiogram: Utilizes ultrasound images to check chambers, valves of the heart
• Holter monitoring: The patient is advised to wear a portable device to record continuous ECG for about 24 to 72 hours.
• Event monitoring: If a patient presents a normal heartbeat during Holter monitoring or palpitation present weekly once, a doctor might recommend an event monitor. A small device intended to monitor heartbeat over a period of a week to a month.

How is Bradycardia treated?

• Treatment of the underlying disease such as Hypothyroidism, Diabetes, Heart disease or High blood pressure
• A small and battery-operated device called a pacemaker is implanted beneath the skin to correct the heart’s rate and rhythm during bradycardia
• Manage stress levels
• Avoid stimulants such as nicotine and caffeine
• Avoid alcohol intake