Bradycardia
Bradycardia is a slow heart rate. The heart rate depends on one's age and physical condition. Older people are more prone to bradycardia. For adults, a heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute (BMP) qualifies as bradycardia. But there are exceptions. Your heart rate may fall below 60 BPM during deep sleep. In physically active adults (and athletes), a heart rate is slower than 60 BPM.
Causes of Bradycardia
Causes for bradycardia include:
- Problems with the sinoatrial node are sometimes called the heart's natural pacemaker.
- Problems in the conduction pathways of the heart that don't allow electrical impulses to pass properly from the atria to the ventricles
- Metabolic problems such as hypothyroidism.
- Various heart disorders.
- Certain heart medications can cause bradycardia as a side effect.
Symptoms of Bradycardia
A heart rate that’s too slow can cause insufficient blood flow to the brain. Symptoms of bradycardia include:
- Fatigue or feeling weak
- Dizziness or faintness
- Difficulty focusing
- Dyspnea
- Cardiac arrest (in extreme cases)
Complications of Bradycardia
Without treatment, severe or prolonged bradycardia can cause:
- Heart failure
- Fainting (syncope)
- Chest pain (angina pectoris)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
Treatment of Bradycardia
Severe or prolonged bradycardia can be treated in a few ways. For instance, if there is a transient cause of bradycardia (medication, hypothyroidism), the heartbeat may be adjusted by eliminating such cause. A subcutaneous implant (pacemaker) is often used to treat bradycardia.
What Is a Pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a small device that helps with heart rate. The pacemaker system consists of two parts: a generator and wires (electrodes). The generator is a small power supply source. It generates electrical impulses that stimulate your heart.
The generator is placed in the infraclavicular region through a small incision. The generator connects to your heart through small wires. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. After the introduction of a pacemaker, the problem of bradycardia will finally be solved. The pacemaker operates for an average of 8-10 years, and then its generator shall be replaced.
At New Hospitals Arrhythmia Centre, procedures are available to diagnose and treat heart conditions using state-of-the-art equipment and the latest medical approaches. Procedures of any complexity are available at the fully equipped electrophysiology laboratory (operating theatre), meeting European standards.
The Arrhythmia Centre has a team of professionals with many years of experience, led by arrhythmologist Zviad Matoshvili, MD PhD. To make an appointment for a consultation, please contact us: 032 2 190 190
