Bradycardia – symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and risks

Bradycardia is a type of cardiac arrhythmia that is characterized by a too slow heartbeat.While it may sound harmless, bradycardia can pose a serious health risk.In this article, we will discuss what bradycardia is, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and potential dangers.

What is bradycardia?

Bradycardia is a condition in which the heart beats too slowly, i.e. at a lower frequency than normal.The normal heart rate in adults is usually between 60 and 100 beats per minute.In bradycardia, the heart rate drops below 60 beats per minute.This can lead to abnormal blood flow through the body, which can cause various health problems.

Bradycardia – causes of too slow heartbeat

There are many different causes of bradycardia, and some may be more dangerous than others.One of the main risk factors is age, as older people are more susceptible to heart rhythm disturbances.Other potential causes of bradycardia include:

• Disturbances in the cardiac conduction system
• Excessive effects of drugs that reduce heart activity
• Heart diseases such as coronary artery disease or heart attack
• Chronic diseases such as hypothyroidism
• Damage to the heart muscle

Recognizing the specific cause of bradycardia is crucial to selecting the appropriate treatment.

Bradycardia – symptoms of a slow heart rhythm

The symptoms of bradycardia may vary depending on the degree of slowing of the heart rate and individual differences in the body.The most common symptoms of bradycardia are:

• Slow heart rate
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Anxiety

If you experience these symptoms, especially when they occur in combination with shortness of breath or chest pain, consult your doctor immediately.

Bradycardia – diagnostics

The diagnosis of bradycardia requires careful evaluation by a specialist.Your doctor may perform the following examinations and tests:

• An electrocardiogram (ECG), which records the electrical activity of the heart
• Echocardiography, which allows the assessment of the structure and function of the heart
• Blood tests to rule out other conditions

Diagnosis is key to identifying the cause of bradycardia and selecting appropriate treatment.

Bradycardia – treatment

Treatment of bradycardia depends on the cause and severity of the disorder.May include:

• Lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and eating a healthy diet
• Adjusting your dose or changing medicines that may be contributing to your heart rate slowing down
• Implantation of a pacemaker, which helps regulate the heart rhythm
• Surgical treatment in case of serious disorders in the cardiac conduction system

The decision on treatment is made by the doctor based on the diagnostic results and assessment of the patient’s condition.

Your suggestions

If you suspect that you or someone else has bradycardia, consult your doctor immediately.Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help avoid serious complications.

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Bradycardia is a serious heart rhythm disorder that requires professional evaluation and medical care.It is important to be aware of the symptoms and risk factors and monitor your heart condition regularly to maintain your health and well-being.