Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, may not always be a concern. For example, during sleep, your heart rate naturally decreases and may fall below 60 beats per minute. Athletes and individuals with high cardiovascular fitness may also have a normal heart rate of 40–60 beats per minute. However, if a person's heart rate falls below 60 bpm and tissues do not receive adequate oxygen, it may indicate a problem with the heart's electrical system, potentially leading to symptoms.
An essential measure of cardiovascular health is your heart rate. It indicates how well the heart pumps blood throughout the body and is expressed in beats per minute. To promote a healthy circulatory system and avoid potential cardiovascular problems, it is essential to monitor and maintain a healthy heart rate. In other words, the heart rate should not be excessively high or too low, but should remain within the normal range.
Bradycardia is thought to affect one out of every 600 adults aged over 65. Additionally, it is more prevalent in this age range during sleep. Bradycardia symptoms can also occur in those who regularly exercise. Additionally, it is more prevalent in those who take specific medications or have particular medical disorders, some of which you may inherit from your parents. Additionally, it may occur as a result of chest injuries, nutritional issues, or eating disorders.
Also Read: Bradycardia Treatment in Mumbai
What is Bradycardia?
Bradycardia is when your heart beats abnormally slowly—less than 60 times per minute. If this prevents your heart from pumping enough blood to meet your body’s needs, it can be serious. However, bradycardia may also occur in highly active individuals without adverse effects. Severe bradycardia can cause lightheadedness, weakness, and breathing difficulties. In some cases, it may be symptom-free. A pacemaker may be required if bradycardia is severe.Also Read: Understanding The Benefits And Risks Of A Temporary Pacemaker
What are the Causes of Bradycardia?
There are numerous causes of bradycardia which are as follows:Electrolyte Deficiencies:
Your heart rate may be affected if you are deficient in certain electrolytes, such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium.Anorexia Nervosa:
Bradycardia may be caused by this eating disorder.Inflammation:
It is characterised by the inflammation of the heart's myocardium (the heart muscle), endocarditis (the inner lining of the heart), or pericarditis (the sac that surrounds and cushions the heart).Infections:
If left untreated, the bacteria that cause the majority of strep throat infections can harm your heart, particularly your heart valves.Rheumatic Heart Disease and Rheumatic Fever:
If a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, is not treated promptly, rheumatic fever may develop. A few years later, rheumatic heart disease is also brought on by rheumatic fever.Lyme Disease:
This illness is caused by bacteria that are transferred by tick bites. Also referred to as borreliosis, this illness can harm your heart if left untreated for an extended period of time.Chagas Disease:
Like Lyme disease, this illness is caused by a parasite that is contracted from "kissing bugs," which are bloodsucking insects.Sick Sinus Syndrome:
This occurs when the sinoatrial (SA) node, a group of cells that acts as the heart's natural pacemaker, fails. This indicates that the electrical current that flows through your heart and causes its various components to contract at the appropriate times is not properly generated by the SA node.Heart Block:
Any disruption in your heart's electrical circuit is referred to as a "heart block." These disruptions cause your heart to beat more slowly or impede the electrical current as it passes through. Blocks can occur at any site throughout the electrical conduction pathway of your heart.Medications:
Prescription pharmaceuticals such as beta-blockers, calcium-channel-blockers, anti-arrhythmia medications, narcotics, lithium, and depressants are among them. Bradycardia is another side effect of recreational substances like cannabis (marijuana).Heart Surgery:
Bradycardia may result from the replacement of a valve, correction of a congenital heart problem, or disorders that you are born with.Radiation Therapy:
Radiation heart disease may result from this treatment's harmful side effects.Other Conditions Include:
- Heart attack
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- Lupus
- Long Q-T syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Injuries/trauma
- Scleroderma
- Hypothermia (low body temperature)
- Sleep apnea
- Hypothyroidism
- Intracranial hypertension (too much pressure on your brain from swelling, bleeding or other causes)
Signs That Bradycardia May Be a Concern
Although a normal heart rate is 60–100 bpm, a slower rate may or may not be harmful. Heart rate naturally fluctuates throughout the day: lowest during rest or sleep, highest during activity or stress, and can also vary with anxiety, illness, or pregnancy.When Is a Heart Rate Dangerously Low?
Although a person's heart rate should normally be between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm), there are a number of reasons why it could be higher or lower. While a heart rate over 100 bpm may require medical attention, one under 60 bpm is not always harmful. Throughout the day, a person's heart rate fluctuates to accommodate their body's needs. It is lowest when a person rests or sleeps, and it is highest during periods of heavy activity or stress. Additionally, the heart rate fluctuates during anxiety, illness, and pregnancy.Conclusion
Bradycardia may not always produce symptoms, especially if caused by fitness or temporary factors. However, if you are concerned or experience symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice. Fortunately, bradycardia is treatable in most cases.Choose Asian Hospital, the best cardiac hospital in Mumbai, for an accurate diagnosis and the best care from our expert cardiologists if you often experience bradycardia or a slow heart rate, as it may indicate an underlying issue. Book your consultation now!
FAQs
Q1: What causes a slow heart rate?A: Bradycardia can result from aging, heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, hypothyroidism, or medications like beta-blockers. Other causes include damage to the heart's electrical system or sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
Q2: Is a slow heart rate always a concern?
A: Not always. A low heart rate may be normal in healthy, physically fit individuals. However, if it leads to symptoms like chest pain, confusion, or fainting, it may signal a serious condition requiring medical attention.
Q3: What are the symptoms of bradycardia?
A: Common symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, confusion, fainting (syncope), and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can cause chest pain or heart failure symptoms.
Q4: How is bradycardia diagnosed?
A: Doctors use tools like electrocardiograms (ECG), Holter monitors, or event recorders to evaluate heart rhythm over time. Blood tests and imaging studies may be done to identify underlying causes.
