Heartbeats at a Snail’s Pace: Bradycardia Simplified

Overview

Bradycardia is a heart condition in which the heart rate is slower than normal. A normal heart rate is 60-100 beats per minute, while those with bradycardia have a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute. It is important to note that bradycardia can be considered normal; those who exercise regularly or those who are asleep have a resting heart rate of 40-60 beats per minute.

Causes/Symptoms, Remedies, & Precautions

Symptoms of bradycardia include chest pain, dizziness, fatigue during physical activity, shortness of breath, and/or memory loss. These symptoms, if left untreated, can lead to fainting frequently, heart failure, sudden death, or sudden cardiac arrest, which can be read more about here.

Bradycardia can be caused by numerous things, such as damage to the heart tissue, heart disease, age, and medication. The older someone gets, the slower the heart rate is, and the weaker the heart tissue becomes. Two major diseases that can cause bradycardia are a heart block, where electrical signals in the heart are disrupted; or sick sinus syndrome, in which the heart’s natural pacemaker messes with its electrical signals. It is important to note that not every individual with bradycardia shows symptoms. 

 To treat bradycardia, it has to be identified by a physician via tests that look at the heart’s electrical rhythm (EKG or ECG) and different levels of electrolytes or hormones. If there is an issue with medication, it is easily reversed through an alternative prescription given by a healthcare provider.

 Prevention of bradycardia includes a healthy lifestyle via regulating sleep, daily exercise, and less substance use, with alcohol and/or drugs. In severe cases, a pacemaker – an electrical device that regulates heart rhythm – is installed to restore the heart rhythm. It is important to note that increasing exercise within a healthy lifestyle WILL result in bradycardia, which in this case is completely normal since athletes have a slower heart rate.

Other Facts & Interesting News

Electrophysiologists treat arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). They are seen for rhythms such as V-fib, bradycardia, and its counterpart, tachycardia, which can be read more about here. 

Electrophysiologists are a type of cardiologist, as they branch off of the cardiology field within health care. More information about cardiologists can be read here. 

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