Slow Heartbeat (Bradycardia)

Introduction

A slow heartbeat, or bradycardia, is when the heart beats fewer than 60 times per minute. While some people with bradycardia have no symptoms and require no treatment, others may experience fatigue, dizziness, or even more serious issues that require medical attention.

Causes of Bradycardia

There are several causes of bradycardia, including:

1. Normal Physiological Conditions: Some athletes and well-trained individuals naturally have a lower heart rate without any health problems.
2. Age-Related Changes: Aging can lead to the weakening of the heart's electrical system, resulting in a slow heartbeat.
3. Heart Diseases: Conditions such as heart attacks, myocarditis, or congenital heart defects may contribute to bradycardia.
4. Electrolyte Imbalances: Abnormal levels of potassium, calcium, and sodium can disturb the electrical signals in the heart.
5. Medication Side Effects: Drugs like beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and antiarrhythmic medications can slow the heart rate.
6. Sleep Apnea: This condition can interfere with normal heart rhythms.
7. Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland may slow down the heart’s activity.

Symptoms of Bradycardia

Some people with bradycardia do not experience symptoms, but when they do, they might include: - Fatigue - Weakness - Dizziness or lightheadedness - Shortness of breath - Chest pain - Fainting (syncope)

When to Seek Medical Help

Seek medical attention if you experience: - Frequent fainting or dizziness - Persistent fatigue or weakness - Unexplained shortness of breath or chest pain

Diagnosis

To diagnose bradycardia, a doctor may perform: - Electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure electrical activity - Holter Monitor to track heart rhythms over 24+ hours - Exercise Stress Test to see how the heart responds to exertion - Blood Tests to check for metabolic or hormonal issues

Treatment Options

Treatment of bradycardia depends on its cause: - No Treatment Needed: If there are no symptoms, treatment may not be required. - Medication Adjustment: If drugs are causing bradycardia, dosages may be modified. - Pacemaker: If bradycardia is severe and causing symptoms, an implanted pacemaker may help regulate the heart's rhythm.

Conclusion

Bradycardia can be a normal physiological condition or a sign of an underlying health issue. If you experience symptoms, it is crucial to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Bradycardia

1. https://cpr.heart.org/-/media/cpr-files/cpr-guidelines-files/algorithms/algorithmacls_bradycardia_200612.pdf
2. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/bradycardia--slow-heart-rate
3. https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/algorithms
4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000628
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30586772/

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiac Arrhythmias

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
3. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
5. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84