Bradycardia is an abnormally slow heartbeat. It is usually defined as a heartbeat that is slower than 60 beats per minute. Some people who have slow heart beats are completely healthy. But for other people, a slow heart beat may mean that not enough blood is being pumped to supply the needs of the heart itself. Bradycardia can cause fatigue and other symptoms. If it’s serious enough, it can cause cardiac arrest and death.
A slow heartbeat doesn’t always cause symptoms. In some people such as athletes, a slow heartbeat may be normal and completely healthy. Bradycardia can cause some of the following symptoms:
The first step in treating bradycardia is determining its cause. A major cause of bradycardia is a problem with the conduction system of your heart. The heart contains a network that acts as an electrical wiring system. This conduction system can be damaged or degenerate over time, causing your heart rate to slow down or to skip beats.
If you need a pacemaker, it will be implanted in the Electrophysiology Lab at UR Medicine Cardiac Care. Our Electrophysiology Lab is considered a world leader in the treatment of heart rhythm disorders like bradycardia.
We have three EP labs, equipped with the latest imaging and mapping devices to pinpoint the cause of your abnormal heart rhythm. Our labs are staffed by a dedicated team of cardiologists, nurses and technicians. Patients come from around the world to take advantage of our expertise in heart rhythm disorders.
UR Medicine Cardiac Care is also a leader in research on heart rhythm disorders. This research helps ensure that we are on the cutting edge of patient care.
If you have been diagnosed with bradycardia or have symptoms of a slow heartbeat, call UR Medicine Cardiac Care at (585) 275-4775.
Learn more about the EP Lab at UR Medicine Cardiac Care.