Bradycardia is a condition in which your heart beats too slowly. This is a medical condition that can cause dizziness, confusion, fatigue, and sometimes even fainting. When bradycardia goes untreated, it can become dangerous. If you have it, you should seek emergency medical treatment. However, the good news is that it is almost always treatable.
The causes of bradycardia are many. For example, your heart’s electrical system may be damaged, or it could be experiencing some sort of infection. Medications you take can also contribute to bradycardia. Other conditions include diabetes, thyroid issues, and high blood pressure.
Some of the risk factors for bradycardia are cigarette smoking, alcoholism, and high levels of stress. People who are over 65 are especially at risk of developing this condition. You should have regular physical exams. There are several types of tests you can undergo.
During your examination, your doctor will ask you a series of questions, including your family history, your current health, and your symptoms. He or she will then listen to your heart with a stethoscope. They will also look at your chest to determine whether there are any signs of heart disease. In some cases, your doctor will perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) to find out whether your heart is beating too slowly.
Often, a heart specialist will be consulted. A specialist will be able to evaluate your heart and prescribe a course of action. Depending on the cause of your bradycardia, your provider may recommend a number of treatments. Some of these treatments are medication, while others focus on lifestyle changes.
A pacemaker is another possible treatment for bradycardia. It is a medical device that is implanted under the skin near the collarbone. Normally, your body’s own natural pacemaker works fine. But if it is not working, your healthcare provider can help you find a treatment that will cure your bradycardia.
Your provider may recommend medications to lower your blood pressure and increase your heart rate. These drugs can be effective, but they may need to be adjusted if you are taking them. Taking these medications correctly and following your doctor’s instructions can help you prevent further problems with bradycardia.
There are a number of other causes for bradycardia, such as diabetes, infections, and even nutrition and exercise issues. In some instances, your symptoms may disappear, but they should still be reported to your provider.
Bradycardia is not contagious. But if you experience frequent syncopes – repeated breathing pauses – you should consider having a sleep study. While a sleep study is not a cure, it can reduce the likelihood of falls.
Whether you are diagnosed with bradycardia or not, it is important to see your provider for a checkup once a year. This is so that you can catch any potential problems early. Also, if you feel any new symptoms develop, you should seek care immediately.
To diagnose bradycardia, a physician will use an electrocardiogram. Electrodes will be placed on your chest or arms. The electrodes will measure the amount of electricity traveling through your body.
