DEFINITION
Bradycardia is a slow or irregular heart rhythm, usually fewer than 60 beats per minute. At this rate, the heart is not able to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body during normal activity or exercise. As a result, feeling dizzy or having chronic lack of energy, shortness of breath, or even fainting spells are possible symptoms.
CAUSES
Bradycardia can occur for several reasons. Common causes of bradycardia include:
- Congenital heart disease (i.e., condition you were born with)
- Certain side effects or heart medications
- The natural aging process
- Scar tissue from a heart attack
- Sick sinus syndrome, also called sinus node dysfunction (the heart’s natural pacemaker not functioning correctly)
- Heart block (the electrical impulse that travels from the upper to the lower chamber of the heart is irregular or blocked)
SYMPTOMS
When the heart beats too slowly various symptoms may be experienced. These symptoms including dizziness, fainting, chronic lack of energy, and shortness of breath, will help the doctor to access the severity of the heart condition and determine the appropriate treatment for you.
- Dizziness
- Chronic lack of energy
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
RISK FACTORS
The risk of developing an abnormally slow heart rate (bradycardia) is greater if you:
- Have certain types of heart disease
- Are taking certain medicines
- Are aged 65 or older
- Have recently had heart surgery
TREATMENT OPTIONS
The treatment strategy for bradycardia is dependent on what is causing the slower than normal heart rate as well as the patient’s symptoms. If another medical problem, such as hypothyroidism, is causing a slow heart rate, treating it may indirectly affect bradycardia.
Treating these problems with new medicines, or adjusting the doses of the medicines you are currently taking, may restore a normal heartbeat.
If the damage within the heart’s electrical system is causing a slow heart rate, you may be eligible for an implantable heart device called a pacemaker.
Pacemakers are small devices that are implanted under the skin, most often below your collarbone on the left or right side of your chest, to correct the slow heart rhythm.