Bradycardia

What is Bradycardia?
Bradycardia (brad-e-KAHR-dee-uh) is a heart rate that is slower than normal. A normal resting heart rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). If you have bradycardia, your heart beats fewer than 60 times a minute.

The Athlete Exception: A resting heart rate under 60 bpm is often completely normal and a sign of excellent cardiovascular fitness in healthy young adults and trained athletes. It is only a medical problem if the slow rate deprives your brain and organs of oxygen.

Symptoms of Oxygen Starvation

If your heart is beating too slowly to pump enough oxygen-rich blood, you may experience:

• Syncope: Fainting or near-fainting (feeling like you are going to pass out).
• Chronic Fatigue: Feeling exhausted all the time.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness.
• Shortness of Breath: Especially during physical activity.
• Brain Fog: Confusion or memory problems.

⚠️ MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Seek immediate emergency care (call 911) if you or someone else experiences:

• Fainting (loss of consciousness).
• Difficulty breathing.
• Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes.

Causes: The Heart's Electrical System

Your heart has a natural pacemaker (the sinus node) that sends electrical signals to make it beat. Bradycardia occurs when these signals slow or become blocked. Common triggers include aging, heart disease, sleep apnea, or certain blood pressure medications.

Understanding "Heart Blocks"

When the electrical signal is disrupted between the upper and lower chambers of the heart, it is called an Atrioventricular (AV) block.

Degree of Block	What Happens?	Severity
First-Degree	Electrical signals reach the ventricles, but they are slightly delayed.	Mild. Rarely causes symptoms; usually needs no treatment.
Second-Degree	Some signals don't reach the ventricles at all, resulting in "dropped" beats and an irregular rhythm.	Moderate. May require a pacemaker if symptoms are present.
Third-Degree (Complete)	No electrical impulses reach the ventricles. The heart beats very slowly and unreliably.	Severe. A medical emergency that almost always requires a pacemaker.

Diagnosis & Testing

Your doctor will want to "catch" the slow heart rate on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Because bradycardia can come and go, you might need a portable monitor:

• Holter Monitor: Worn for 24 to 48 hours to continuously record your heart's activity.
• Event Recorder: Worn for weeks or months; you press a button to record the ECG only when you feel symptoms.
• Tilt Table Test: Used if you have been fainting. You lie on a table that tilts you upright to see if the position change triggers a slow heart rate and fainting.

Treatment Options

If your bradycardia causes no symptoms, you likely won't need treatment. If it does, options include:

• Adjusting Medications: If drugs for high blood pressure or other heart conditions are slowing your heart too much, your doctor may lower the dose or switch medications. Never stop taking heart meds without your doctor's approval.
• Treating Underlying Issues: Curing sleep apnea or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can often fix the heart rate.
• Pacemaker: If the electrical system is permanently damaged, a small, battery-operated device is implanted under the collarbone to monitor your heart and send electrical impulses to keep it beating at a healthy rate.

Lifestyle & Home Monitoring

⌚ KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

• Check Your Pulse: Learn how to find your pulse on your wrist or neck. Count the beats for 60 seconds. Keep a log to show your doctor.
• Use Wearable Tech: Smartwatches and fitness trackers are excellent tools for detecting trends in a dropping heart rate.
• Heart-Healthy Living: Manage your blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight to prevent further damage to your heart's electrical system.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.