Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Bradycardia?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Bradycardia is a condition in which the heart rate per minute is less than the usual sixty to one hundred beats common for adults. The lack of a sufficient amount of beats per minute can lead to a number of health issues, most of them related to less oxygen-rich blood being pumped to various points around the body. There are several health issues that may trigger bradycardia, most of which can be corrected without surgery.

The underlying causes of bradycardia include any type of health issues that could prohibit the proper function of the heart. A common trigger for this condition is high blood pressure. Hypothyroidism, or a thyroid that is underactive, may also cause the slower heart rate. Heart diseases such as infections, a congenital heart defect, or damage sustained during a heart attack can also cause the heart to pump less efficiently. Bradycardia causes also include some prescription medications, especially those that are used for emotional disorders and to treat high blood pressure.

Bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate.
Bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate.

Bradycardia symptoms tend to reflect the lack of oxygen in the bloodstream. It is not unusual for dizziness and a sense of being about to pass out to occur whenever the individual stands or engages in some sort of physical activity. There may be a general feeling of weakness, as well as a constant sense of fatigue. In some instances, chest pains will take place, accompanied with a shortness of breath. Problems sleeping are not uncommon with people suffering with this decreased heart activity.

A pacemaker may be necessary to treat bradycardia.
A pacemaker may be necessary to treat bradycardia.

Fortunately, the process of bradycardia treatment can often alleviate the symptoms by treating the underlying cause. If medication is the reason for the slow heartbeat, changing the dosage or switching to other medicines may restore the heart rate to a normal range. In cases where high blood pressure or hypothyroidism is present, changes in diet, exercise, and medication may help to correct those problems and eliminate the decreased heart activity at the same time. In cases where the heart is damaged, surgery to insert a pacemaker may be the best solution.

Shortness of breath is one symptom of bradycardia.
Shortness of breath is one symptom of bradycardia.

Many people are immediately distressed when they believe something is wrong with the heart. Seeing a doctor immediately after experiencing the symptoms associated with bradycardia can make it much easier to quickly identify the origin of the problem and begin the proper course of treatment. By following the advice of a qualified physician, it may be possible to see an improvement in heart rate and a decrease in symptoms in a matter of a few days or weeks.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

sunnySkys

@JessicaLynn - Wow, that's scary. I'm glad your friends doctor figured out what was going on fairly quickly!

I think bradycardia is especially scary because it limits the amount of oxygen a person gets. The symptoms sound pretty uncomfortable too. Fatigue and dizziness could definitely prevent you from going about your day normally!

JessicaLynn

It is true that some types of medication can cause bradycardia. One of my friends got this from an anxiety medicine she was on!

She was having panic attacks all the time, so her doctor prescribed her an anti-anxiety medicine. It worked really well for her anxiety, but she started feeling a little weird after taking it for about a week. At first she thought it was just normal medication side effects. However, when she went back to her doctor her doctor discovered that her heart was beating too slow.

Needless to say the doctor immediately weaned her off that medication and got her on something else! She's been fine ever since!

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      Bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate.
    • A pacemaker may be necessary to treat bradycardia.
      By: Carolina K Smith MD
      A pacemaker may be necessary to treat bradycardia.
    • Shortness of breath is one symptom of bradycardia.
      By: nuiiko
      Shortness of breath is one symptom of bradycardia.
    • A congenital heart defect may cause the heart to pump less efficiently.
      By: Patricia Marks
      A congenital heart defect may cause the heart to pump less efficiently.
    • An individual with bradycardia may have a radial pulse that is difficult to detect.
      By: joshya
      An individual with bradycardia may have a radial pulse that is difficult to detect.
    • An individual suffering from bradycardia may experience chest pain.
      By: hriana
      An individual suffering from bradycardia may experience chest pain.
    • A slow heart rate may be cause by an underactive thyroid gland.
      By: stockshoppe
      A slow heart rate may be cause by an underactive thyroid gland.
    • Dizziness may occur as a result of altered heart rate.
      By: Halfpoint
      Dizziness may occur as a result of altered heart rate.