Bradycardia

Overview

Bradycardia is when the heart rate is lower than the normal heart rate where the normal heart rate ranges between 60-100bpm. There are many causes for bradycardia and the outcome can be really fatal causing even death.

Signs and Symptoms

Near-fainting or fainting (syncope), Dizziness or lightheadedness, Fatigue, Shortness of breath, Chest pains, Confusion or memory problems, Easily tiring during physical activity

Common Causes

Heart tissue damage related to aging, Damage to heart tissues from heart disease or heart attack, 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, Repeated disruption of breathing during sleep (obstructive sleep apnea), Inflammatory disease such as rheumatic fever or lupus, Medications including some drugs for other heart rhythm disorders high blood pressure and psychosis

Risk Factors

Age - common in older adults, Related to heart disease, Electrolyte disorder, Infiltrative or inflammatory disease Hypothyroidism, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Investigation Techniques

Electrocardiogram, Holter monitor, Exercise testing, Thyroid function test, Cardiac markers

Treatment and Prevention

Treating underlying disorders, Pacemaker