Bradycardia
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What is Bradycardia?
An abnormally slow heartbeat, or bradycardia, is defined as a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute. Some people who have slow heartbeats are completely healthy. But for others, a slow heartbeat might mean that not enough blood is being pumped to supply the needs of the heart itself.
At its most serious, the condition can cause cardiac arrest and death.
Symptoms of Bradycardia
Bradycardia doesn’t always cause symptoms. In some people, such as athletes, a slow heartbeat may be normal and completely healthy. If symptoms do occur, they include:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Fainting
- Chest discomfort
- Difficulty sleeping
UR Medicine's Treatments for Bradycardia
A major cause of a slow heartbeat is a problem with the conduction system of your heart that acts as an electrical wiring system. This system can be damaged or degenerate over time, causing your heart rate to slow down or skip beats.
Because some common medications can slow your heart rate, your cardiologist will determine if a current medication is the cause of your slow heartbeat. Often, lowering the dosage or taking an alternate medication can help resolve the problem.
Your cardiologist may recommend a pacemaker, a small device placed in the chest with wires extended to your heart. When necessary, the pacemaker produces electrical impulses that keep your heart beating at a steady pace.
Other disorders—such as hypothyroidism—can also cause a slow heartbeat. If so, your cardiologist will recommend treatment for the underlying condition.
What Sets Us Apart?
Patients come from around the world to take advantage of our expertise in heart rhythm disorders.
If you need a pacemaker, our Electrophysiology (EP) Lab at UR Medicine Cardiac Care will implant it. Our EP Lab& is considered a world leader in the treatment of heart rhythm disorders like slow heartbeats.;
We have three EP labs equipped with the latest imaging and mapping devices to pinpoint the cause of an abnormal heart rhythm. Our labs are staffed by a team of cardiologists, nurses, and technicians.
UR Medicine Cardiac Care is also a leader in research on heart rhythm disorders. This research helps ensure that you receive cutting-edge care.
Providers
Locations
View All LocationsWe serve you in the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region.
View All Locations21 locations
Clinton Crossings, Building G
2400 South Clinton Avenue, 1st Floor
Rochester, NY 14618
Noyes Memorial Hospital
111 Cara Barton Street
Dansville, NY 14437
Thompson Professional Building
395 West Street, Suite 307
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Finger Lakes Cardiology
410 Clifton Springs Professional Park
Clifton Springs, NY 14432
Highland Hospital
1000 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14620
999 East Ridge Road, Suite 1000
Rochester, NY 14621
1835 Fairport Nine Mile Point Road, Suite 200
Penfield, NY 14526
Red Creek (Calkins Corporate Park)
600 Red Creek Drive, Suite 100
Rochester, NY 14623
Lifecare Medical Associates
1991 Balsley Road
Seneca Falls, NY 13148
Strong West
156 West Avenue, 3rd Floor
Brockport, NY 14420
Jones Memorial Hospital
191 North Main Street
Wellsville, NY 14895
Strong Memorial Hospital
601 Elmwood Avenue, Ground Floor, G-1200
Rochester, NY 14620
St. James Medical Office Building
7309 Seneca Road North, Suite 104
Hornell, NY 14843
Canal View Office Complex
140 Canal View Boulevard, Suite 104
Rochester, NY 14623
Ambulatory Care Center at Strong Memorial Hospital
601 Elmwood Avenue, Ground Floor
Rochester, NY 14626
140 Canal View Boulevard, Suite 102
Rochester, NY 14623
FF Thompson Hospital
350 Parrish Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Jones Memorial Hospital
191 North Main Street
Wellsville, NY 14895