Bradycardia: Understanding Heart Rate Deficiency
Bradycardia is defined as a medical condition characterized by a heart rate that falls below 60 beats per minute. The normal heart rate typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. A heart rate dipping below 50 beats per minute can pose serious health risks, as it may lead to inadequate oxygen delivery to the heart. Consequently, individuals may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath or dizziness, and in severe cases, this condition can increase the risk of stroke or cardiac arrest.
Symptoms of Bradycardia
Bradycardia can arise from various issues regarding the heart’s electrical system or may indicate that a person is in excellent physical condition. For instance, athletes might naturally have heart rates below 60 beats per minute, which can even drop to as low as 28 beats per minute during rest, particularly if they do not experience any adverse symptoms. Typical symptoms associated with bradycardia include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Dizziness and balance disturbances
- Confusion and fainting
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Increased tiredness during physical activity
- Risk of death in cases with extremely low heart rates
Causes of Bradycardia
Sick Sinus Syndrome
Bradycardia is one of the types of heart rhythm disorders where the heart rate drops below 60 beats per minute. It is important to note that some individuals, such as children, the elderly, and athletes, naturally have lower resting heart rates. However, in certain cases, bradycardia may result from health issues like Sick Sinus Syndrome, which affects the efficiency of the sinoatrial node in generating electrical signals necessary for heart function. This can lead to irregular or slowed heartbeats. Seniors, particularly those over 70, as well as individuals with atherosclerosis or a history of cardiac surgeries, are more susceptible to this condition.
Heart Block
Heart block is another significant cause of bradycardia, wherein the transmission of electrical signals from the atria to the ventricles is disrupted. Heart block is categorized into various degrees, depending on how far the electrical signals reach within the ventricles:
- First Degree: The mildest form, usually not requiring treatment, where all signals reach the ventricles, albeit at a slower pace.
- Second Degree: Some electrical signals do not reach the ventricles, leading to irregular and slow heartbeats.
- Third Degree: No electrical signals reach the ventricles except through the atrioventricular node, resulting in significant bradycardia.
Other Contributing Factors
Several other factors may contribute to the onset of bradycardia, including:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Certain inflammatory disorders, such as lupus and rheumatic fever
- Coronary artery disease
- Alcohol consumption
- Hypertension
- Smoking
- Psychological stress and anxiety
- Myocarditis
- Hypothyroidism
- Complications from previous cardiac surgeries
- Some medications
Diagnosing Bradycardia
The diagnosis of bradycardia typically involves an electrocardiogram (ECG) either as a standard test or during a stress test to monitor heart rhythms over a 24-hour period.
Treatment Options for Bradycardia
- Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause of bradycardia.
- If bradycardia does not result in symptoms, it is usually not treated.
- For cases where electrical malfunction causes slow heart rates, healthcare professionals may implant a pacemaker to regulate the heart rhythm.
- Additionally, doctors may adjust or discontinue medications that contribute to bradycardia.
- Maintaining proper electrolyte balance in the bloodstream is crucial for managing the condition.
- Adopting a heart-healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables while low in fats, alongside regular exercise, avoiding harmful habits like smoking, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels is vital.
Video: Causes of Bradycardia
The heart is an essential organ for sustaining life. But what happens when heartbeats weaken? Discover the reasons behind this condition:
- ^ A B “Bradycardia”, www.mayoclinic.org, 23-8-2017, Retrieved 26-4-2019. Edited.
- ↑ “Bradycardia”, www.baptisthealth.com, Retrieved 26-4-2019. Edited.