Bradycardia
Bradycardia is a slower than normal heart rate. The heart usually beats between 60 and 100 times a minute in an adult at rest. If you have bradycardia, your heart beats fewer than 60 times a minute.
Bradycardia can be a serious problem if the heart doesn't pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body. For some people, however, bradycardia doesn't cause symptoms or complications.
Causes
- Heart tissue damage related to aging
- Damage to heart tissues from heart disease or heart attack
- A heart disorder present at birth (congenital heart defect)
- Infection of heart tissue (myocarditis)
- A complication of heart surgery
- Underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
- Imbalance of chemicals in the blood, such as potassium or calcium
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Inflammatory disease, such as lupus or rheumatic fever
- Medications, including some drugs for other heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure and psychosis
Symptoms
- Fainting (syncope)
- Near-fainting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pains
- Confusion or memory problems
- Easily tiring during physical activity
Treatment
Treatment for bradycardia depends on the type of electrical conduction problem, the severity of symptoms and the cause of the slow heart rate. If bradycardia is caused by an underlying condition, that condition will be treated. If no underlying cause is found, a pacemaker may be needed.
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