Bradycardia – What it is, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
- Aging-related heart tissue damage
- Heart tissue damage from heart disease or heart attack
- Heart disorder present at birth (congenital heart defect)
- Infection of heart tissue (myocarditis)
- A complication of heart surgery
- Insufficient thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
- Imbalance of chemicals in the blood, such as potassium or calcium
- Repeated disruption of breathing during sleep (obstructive sleep apnea)
- Inflammatory disease, such as rheumatic fever or lupus
- Medications, including some medications for other heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure, and psychosis
Symptoms of Bradycardia: If you have Bradycardia , your brain and other organs may not get enough oxygen, possibly causing these symptoms:
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- Disturbance or fainting (syncope)
- Dizziness or dizziness
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breathe
- chest pains
- Confusion or memory problems
- Easily tiring during physical activity
Bradycardia Treatments: The treatment for Bradycardia depends on the type of electrical conduction problem, the severity of the symptoms, and the cause of your slow heart rate. If you have no symptoms, treatment may not be necessary. But when symptoms arise, the doctor may prescribe medication (atropine) to temporarily relieve them.
Treating Underlying Disorders: If a disorder such as hypothyroidism or obstructive sleep apnea is causing Bradycardia , treating the condition can correct the Bradycardia .
Change in Medications: A number of medications, including some to treat other heart conditions , can cause Bradycardia . Your doctor will check which medications you are taking and possibly recommend alternatives. Changing medications or lowering doses can correct problems with a slow heart rate. When other treatments are not possible and symptoms require treatment, a pacemaker is needed.
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Pacemaker: This cell-phone-sized battery-powered device is implanted under your collarbone. The device’s wires are threaded through veins and into your heart . The electrodes at the end of the wires are attached to the heart tissues. The pacemaker monitors your heart rate and generates electrical impulses as needed to maintain an appropriate rate. A wireless pacemaker has been approved by the FDA. The clumsy system holds promise for people who need pacing in only one ventricle, but more study is needed.