Bradycardia

Bradycardia means “slow heart” and usually refers to the heart rate or “pulse” being less than 60 beats per minute. A slow heart rate can be normal in some people, such as athletes, or when we sleep.

For some people however, it be a sign of the heart’s electrical system being unable to maintain the needed heart rate for the heart to function most efficiently.

Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Decreased exercise tolerance
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Passing out (syncope) - rarely

Diagnostic Tests

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Echocardiogram
• Holter and Event Monitors | Continuous Ambulatory Telemetry

Treatment

• Stop heart rate slowing medications
• Consider pacemaker placement if symptoms persist and there is no reversible cause of the heart rate slowing

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For Additional Information

• Arrhythmias
• Cardiovascular Disorders
• Managing Heart Disease