Summary about Disease
Bradycardia is a heart rate that is slower than normal. Generally, for adults, a resting heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (BPM) is considered bradycardia. While a slow heart rate isn't always a problem, if the heart isn't pumping enough oxygen-rich blood to the body, it can cause symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms of bradycardia can include:
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Confusion or memory problems
Fainting (syncope) or near-fainting
Easily tiring during physical activity
Causes
Bradycardia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Heart tissue damage related to aging
Damage to heart tissue from heart disease or heart attack
Congenital heart defects
Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
A complication of heart surgery
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Electrolyte imbalance
Obstructive sleep apnea
Certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, digoxin)
Rheumatic fever
Inflammatory diseases such as lupus
Medicine Used
Medications are often aimed at treating the underlying cause of bradycardia. Specific medications to directly increase heart rate are generally not used long-term, but may be administered in emergency situations. Examples include:
Atropine: Used in emergency situations to increase heart rate.
Isoproterenol: Used in emergency situations to increase heart rate.
Medications to treat underlying conditions such as hypothyroidism may also be prescribed.
Pacemakers (discussed below) are often the long-term solution rather than medication.
Is Communicable
Bradycardia is not a communicable disease. It is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Precautions
Precautions depend on the cause of the bradycardia. General recommendations include:
Regular medical checkups, especially if you have heart disease or are taking medications that can slow heart rate.
Adhering to prescribed medications and lifestyle recommendations for any underlying conditions (e.g., thyroid problems).
Avoiding excessive alcohol or drug use.
In some cases, limiting activities that could lead to fainting or injury if you experience symptoms.
How long does an outbreak last?
Bradycardia is not an outbreak-related disease. It is a chronic condition that, if untreated, can persist indefinitely. The duration of symptoms depends on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
Bradycardia is diagnosed through:
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Records the electrical activity of the heart. This is the primary diagnostic tool.
Holter monitor: A portable ECG that records heart activity over 24-48 hours.
Event recorder: A portable ECG that records heart activity only when triggered by the patient experiencing symptoms.
Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart to assess its structure and function.
Blood tests: To check for electrolyte imbalances, thyroid problems, or other underlying conditions.
Tilt table test: To evaluate the cause of fainting.
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset and progression of symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity of the bradycardia:
Sudden onset: May occur due to a sudden heart event (e.g., heart attack) or medication side effect. Symptoms may be immediately noticeable.
Gradual onset: More common, especially with age-related changes or hypothyroidism. Symptoms may start subtly (e.g., mild fatigue) and worsen over weeks, months, or years.
Intermittent: Symptoms may come and go, especially if the bradycardia is related to specific triggers (e.g., certain medications or sleep apnea).
Important Considerations
Bradycardia can be a normal finding in highly trained athletes, who often have resting heart rates below 60 bpm without any symptoms.
If bradycardia is causing significant symptoms or is due to a serious underlying condition, a pacemaker may be necessary. A pacemaker is a small device implanted under the skin that sends electrical signals to the heart to regulate the heart rate.
It's important to discuss any concerns about a slow heart rate with a doctor, especially if you are experiencing any symptoms.