Dr. M.J. Bazos, MD
Patient Handout
BRADYCARDIA
About Your
Diagnosis
Bradycardia is a heart rate
that is less than 60 beats per minute. Normal resting heart rates are 60 to 100
beats per minute with an adult average of about 75 beats per minute. Slow heart
rates are not necessarily a sign of problems. Among well-conditioned persons
such as long-distance runners, it is common to have a slow resting heart rate.
For others, such as elderly persons, bradycardia may indicate problems with the
sinus node, the site of impulse generation that signals the heart to beat.
Medical causes of bradycardia include myxedema (low thyroid hormone),
hypothermia (low body temperature), and head injuries. Many drugs can cause
bradycardia, including some tranquilizers and blood pressure medications such as
beta-blockers.
Living With Your
Diagnosis
Bradycardia usually corrects
itself when the person begins to exercise. This includes standing up to move
around. If the heart rate does not increase with exertion, there may be a
feeling of light headedness or faintness. Bradycardia may cause low cardiac
output of blood, which can cause low blood pressure= and low delivery of blood
to the brain or heart. This can cause fainting, fatigue, or chest pain. Persons
with symptoms usually have normal examinations, and the slow heart rate is found
only on an electrocardiogram (ECG). If someone is found to have bradycardia and
symptoms of low cardiac output, medications that cause the condition have to be
discontinued. All medical conditions that= cause bradycardia, such as myxedema,
must be managed. Dehydration can worsen the symptoms of low blood
pressure.
Treatment
If
no cause is found for the bradycardia and the patient continues to have
symptoms, a pacemaker may have to be implanted to help the heart beat faster. A
pacemaker is an electrical device with a wire to the heart muscle that signals
the ventricles to contract regularly (fixed-rate pacers) or to contract faster
in response to increased activity (demand pacers). Pacemakers may be external
with the wire entering through a vein, or they can be implanted into the patient
with a minor operation. Older pacemakers were susceptible to damage from
microwaves and strong electronic equipment. New pacemakers are much safer and
more reliable. Caution remains against strong magnetic or ultrasonic forces such
as those used in some physical therapy settings or in airport security screens.
Patients with pacemakers are given instructions by the cardiologist regarding
maintenance and care of the
pacemaker.
The
DOs
•Make sure you have your
condition thoroughly
evaluated.
•Follow your
doctor’s advice.
The
DON’Ts
•Do not worry. If
you have bradycardia and a normal exercise response without symptoms of low
cardiac output, no treatment is
required.
When to Call Your
Doctor
•If you have worsening
dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath.