Bradycardia,
as it is commonly called comes from having a low heart rate,
and is more likely to occur as you as you age.
However, it also
could be a sign of health issues
What causes a low heart rate?
Many things can bring on a slow heart rate.
A heart malfunction
The most common cause for bradycardia is a malfunction in the heart’s natural pacemaker, the sinus node. It controls how quickly the top and bottom heart chambers pump blood through the body. S1 nodes the Mitral and Tricuspid Valve.
Suggestion is to get an Echo Cardiogram and have an EKG performed by a Cardiologist.
AV Block
Another cause of bradycardia is atrioventricular block (AV Block), in which the top and bottom chambers don’t communicate well and your heart rate drops as a result.
Age
Age is the most common risk factor for developing bradycardia. The condition is most common among men and women over age 65.
Having certain illnesses or conditions Illness or other conditions may also cause bradycardia.
These include:
What are the symptoms of a low heart rate?
It is very possible to have a slow heart rate and experience no symptoms. However, if you have symptoms but ignore them, it can sometimes cause more serious problems.
Consult your doctor if you are experiencing some of these symptoms and you have an associated slow heart rate:
Does bradycardia require treatment?
If your heart rate is slow, but you don’t have symptoms, there’s no reason to worry. However, it’s a good idea to know the signs of trouble because bradycardia in some cases does require treatment.
For example, if your heart rate drops into the 30s, you might not get enough oxygen to your brain, making fainting, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath possible. Blood can also pool in your heart chambers, causing congestive heart failure.
The importance of monitoring your heart rate
If you are concerned about a low heart rate, visiting your physician/cardiologist can help determine the causes. Your doctor will first ask about your usual activities and conduct a physical exam.
They may use an electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure the electrical signals in your heart, in order to see whether they’re firing correctly.
You may be ask to wear a 24-hour monitor can also help your doctor see how your heart performs over time.
I may suggest as well an Echocardiogram be given as well.
Once your doctor decides you might need treatment, they will try to rule out medications or other pre-existing conditions as causes.
Sometimes changing medications or similar strategies can solve the problem.
If not, implanting a pacemaker via minimally invasive surgery is the only option to speed up your heart rate,
Usually, bradycardia isn’t often an emergency, so doctors have time to choose the right treatment for you.
But please see someone for the proper treatment.
as it is commonly called comes from having a low heart rate,
and is more likely to occur as you as you age.
However, it also
could be a sign of health issues
What causes a low heart rate?
Many things can bring on a slow heart rate.
A heart malfunction
The most common cause for bradycardia is a malfunction in the heart’s natural pacemaker, the sinus node. It controls how quickly the top and bottom heart chambers pump blood through the body. S1 nodes the Mitral and Tricuspid Valve.
Suggestion is to get an Echo Cardiogram and have an EKG performed by a Cardiologist.
AV Block
Another cause of bradycardia is atrioventricular block (AV Block), in which the top and bottom chambers don’t communicate well and your heart rate drops as a result.
Age
Age is the most common risk factor for developing bradycardia. The condition is most common among men and women over age 65.
Having certain illnesses or conditions Illness or other conditions may also cause bradycardia.
These include:
- Heart attacks due to coronary artery disease.
- A bacterial infection in the blood that attacks your heart.
- Inflammation of your heart muscle.
- Low thyroid function.
- An electrolyte imbalance.
- Too much potassium in your blood.
- Certain medications, including beta blockers and antiarrhythmics.
- Congenital heart defects, diabetes or long-standing high blood pressure all may make bradycardia more likely.
What are the symptoms of a low heart rate?
It is very possible to have a slow heart rate and experience no symptoms. However, if you have symptoms but ignore them, it can sometimes cause more serious problems.
Consult your doctor if you are experiencing some of these symptoms and you have an associated slow heart rate:
- Lack of energy.
- Low stamina.
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
- Chest pains.
- Confusion/memory problems.
- Heart palpitations or flutters.
Does bradycardia require treatment?
If your heart rate is slow, but you don’t have symptoms, there’s no reason to worry. However, it’s a good idea to know the signs of trouble because bradycardia in some cases does require treatment.
For example, if your heart rate drops into the 30s, you might not get enough oxygen to your brain, making fainting, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath possible. Blood can also pool in your heart chambers, causing congestive heart failure.
The importance of monitoring your heart rate
If you are concerned about a low heart rate, visiting your physician/cardiologist can help determine the causes. Your doctor will first ask about your usual activities and conduct a physical exam.
They may use an electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure the electrical signals in your heart, in order to see whether they’re firing correctly.
You may be ask to wear a 24-hour monitor can also help your doctor see how your heart performs over time.
I may suggest as well an Echocardiogram be given as well.
Once your doctor decides you might need treatment, they will try to rule out medications or other pre-existing conditions as causes.
Sometimes changing medications or similar strategies can solve the problem.
If not, implanting a pacemaker via minimally invasive surgery is the only option to speed up your heart rate,
Usually, bradycardia isn’t often an emergency, so doctors have time to choose the right treatment for you.
But please see someone for the proper treatment.