Bradycardia is a slow heart rate. A slow heart rate can be normal and healthy. Or it could be a sign of a problem with the heart's electrical system. If your heart beats too slowly, it may not supply your body with enough blood. This can make you weak or dizzy. Or it may make you pass out.
Bradycardia can be caused by many things. This includes medicine, certain medical conditions, and changes in the heart that are the result of aging.
How bradycardia is treated depends on what is causing it. Treatments include treating another health problem, changing a medicine, and getting a pacemaker. Treatment also depends on the symptoms. If bradycardia doesn't cause symptoms, it may not be treated. You and your doctor can decide what treatment is right for you.
Having bradycardia means that your heart beats slower than normal. For most adults, a heart rate of about 60 to 100 beats a minute while at rest is considered normal.
Sometimes bradycardia is normal. For example, healthy young adults and well-trained athletes often have resting heart rates of less than 60 beats a minute.
Abnormal bradycardia is a sign of a problem with the heart's electrical system. The heart's normal pacemaker may not work correctly or the normal electrical system of the heart has been damaged. Bradycardia can be caused by many things including medicine, certain medical conditions, and changes in the heart that are the result of aging. Sometimes, the heart beats so slowly that it does not pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This can cause symptoms, such as feeling dizzy or weak. In some cases, it can be life-threatening.
How bradycardia is treated depends on what is causing it. Examples of treatments include treating another health problem, changing a medicine, and getting a pacemaker. Treatment also depends on the symptoms. If bradycardia does not cause symptoms, it may not be treated.
A very slow heart rate may cause you to:
Some people don't have symptoms.
You can find out how fast your heart is beating by taking your pulse.
How bradycardia is treated depends on what is causing it. Treatment also depends on the symptoms. If bradycardia doesn't cause symptoms, it may not be treated. You and your doctor can decide what treatment is right for you.
The goal of treatment is to raise your heart rate and relieve symptoms. For certain types of bradycardia, treatment may help prevent serious problems. These problems include fainting, injuries from fainting, and even death.
To diagnose bradycardia, your doctor may take your pulse, do a physical exam, ask questions about your health, and do an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). An EKG measures the electrical signals that control heart rhythm. You may also wear an EKG device at home for at least one day.
Bradycardia is often the result of another heart condition, so a heart-healthy lifestyle can help improve your overall health. This lifestyle includes:
Bradycardia can be caused by many things. Examples include:
Having bradycardia (say "bray-dee-KAR-dee-uh") means that your heart beats slower than normal. For most adults, a heart rate of about 60 to 100 beats a minute while at rest is considered normal.
For some people, bradycardia is healthy and normal. It does not cause any symptoms or problems.
In other people, bradycardia is a sign of a problem with the heart's electrical system. It means that the heart's natural pacemaker isn't working right or that the electrical pathways of the heart are disrupted. Sometimes, the heart beats so slowly that it doesn't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This can cause symptoms, such as feeling dizzy or weak. In some cases, it can be life-threatening.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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