Bradycardia

What is Bradycardia?

Bradycardia is an arrhythmic disease of the heart, in which heartbeat rate is lower than normal. In an adult at rest, the normal rate is 60-72 times per minute. But if you are suffering from Bradycardia, your heartbeat rate will be lesser than 60 times per minute. For some people such as healthy youngsters and trained athletes, this may seem normal and does not cause complications.

For others, this could turn into serious trouble, as your heart will not pump the necessary quantity of oxygen-rich blood to your body.

Symptoms

As a consequence of insufficient supply of Oxygen, following symptoms may prevail:

  • Dizziness and weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Memory problems or confusions
  • Syncope – Fainting
  • Fatigue
  • Getting tired easily during physical activities

Causes

Bradycardia usually starts with problems in the sinus node. In some, the sinus node might create another complication called bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome, with alternating slow and fast rates. Your heartbeat rate might be because your sinus node might discharge electrical impulses at a lesser rate, pause or fail to discharge at a normal rate and discharge an impulse that gets blocked before reaching the atrium.

Other causes could be:

  • Damages to tissues of the heart due to ageing or heart attack
  • High blood pressure
  • Congenital heart defects
  • Myocarditis – Infection of tissues of the heart
  • Hypothyroidism – Underactive thyroid gland
  • Electrolytic imbalance
  • Hemochromatosis – Buildup of iron inside the organs

Risks

You are at risk for Bradycardia, if you have a family history or have other heart diseases, high blood pressure and high stress. Smoking, excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol and drugs are other risk factors.

Prevention

Taking steps for a healthy lifestyle will improve the overall health of your heart. You are advised to:

  • Have a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and low-fat dairy products
  • Be active and exercise moderately on all days of the week
  • Lose weight, if you are obese
  • Stay away from tobacco, alcohol and high-fat food
  • Manage other issues like high blood pressure and high cholesterol

How is it diagnosed?

At Medanta, Bradycardia could be diagnosed using standard tests like measuring the pulse or an electrocardiogram. But often Bradycardia comes and goes. Sometimes, normal tests might not be able to ...

How is it treated?

Treatment of Bradycardia at Medanta would, of course, depend on the root cause and symptoms of the problem. Generally, Bradycardia is not treated if symptoms are not displayed. 

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  • Pacemaker

    If the cause of Bradycardia is improper electrical signals, your doctor might implant a tiny device called pacemaker. This device will control your heartbeat rate and whenever it is low, it will release impulses and control the heart.

  • Medication

    If the cause is hypothyroidism or electrolytic imbalance, treating it with appropriate medication would cure Bradycardia.

  • Side effects of other medicines

    If taking other medicines is the cause of Bradycardia in you, your doctor might prescribe different medicines or adjust dosages. In unavoidable circumstances, a pacemaker may be inevitable.

When do I contact the doctor?

If you faint, have chest pain for more than a few minutes or have difficulty in breathing, you need immediate medical attention.

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How does Medanta provide care?

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Consult with experienced doctors

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