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Bradycardia

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition

Bradycardia

(Bradyarrhythmia)

Definition

Bradycardia is an abnormally slow heart rate. In adults, it is a heart rate of less than 50 to 60 beats per minute.

The condition can range from mild to life-threatening.

Anatomy of the Heart.

Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Causes

Bradycardia may be caused by:

  • Normal responses to:
    • Deep relaxation
    • Being in excellent physical shape
  • Changes in the heart’s natural pacemaker or electrical activity

Risk Factors

Bradycardia is more common in older people. Other things that raise the risk are:

Symptoms

Bradycardia may have no symptoms. Those who have symptoms may have:

  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Weakness
  • Mild tiredness
  • Abnormal heart beats
  • Problems breathing
  • Chest pain

Some types of bradycardia need emergency care. They can lead to loss of consciousness or sudden cardiac arrest.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. It will include listening to the heart.

Blood tests may be done to look for underlying problems.

The doctor may need to test heart function. This can be done with:

Sometimes, imaging tests are done, such as nuclear scanning and coronary angiography. Other tests may also be needed.

Treatment

Treatment may not be needed if there are no heart symptoms or problems. The doctor may watch the heart rate and rhythm instead.

Those with heart symptoms and problems need care right away. The goal is to reach and keep a normal heart rhythm.

Treatment may include:

  • Stopping any medicines that slow the heart rate
  • Diagnosing and treating underlying conditions
  • Short-term medicine to raise the heart rate
  • An artificial pacemaker to reach and keep a normal heart rhythm—may be short term or lasting (implanted)

Prevention

Bradycardia cannot always be prevented. Some things may help reduce the risk. They are:

  • Treating health conditions that might lead to bradycardia
  • Carefully following the doctor's instructions for using medicines
  • A heart healthy diet, daily exercise, and not smoking
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • What is an arrhythmia. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/arrhythmia.
  • Barstow C, McDivitt JD. Cardiovascular disease update: bradyarrhythmias. FP Essent. 2017; 454: 18-23.
  • Bradycardia—approach to the patient. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/bradycardia-approach-to-the-patient.
  • Bradycardia: slow heart rate. American Heart Association website. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia#.Wh2r8FWnFxA.
  • Overview of arrhythmias. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/arrhythmias-and-conduction-disorders/overview-of-arrhythmias.

Contributors

  • Nicole Meregian, PA
Last Updated:
2022-08-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.