Bradycardia
Condition
Bradycardia means you have a low pulse (heartrate) < 60 beats per minute
What is Bradycardia?
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Bradycardia is a condition typically defined wherein an individual has a resting heart rate of under 60 beats per minute (BPM) in adults, although some studies use a heart rate of less than 50 BPM.
Bradycardia typically does not cause symptoms until the rate drops below 50 BPMThe slow pulse rate can occur for several reasons. Most common it is medication induced, as commonly prescribed agents like betablockers are widely used and can cause bradycardia. Further, electricity conduction defects inside the heart can cause bradycardia, most commonly AV-Block and Sick Sinus syndrome.
A heartrate that’s too slow can cause insufficient blood flow to the brain inducing symptoms which could potentially be life threatening.
In certain few cases however, the low pulse is due to an enlarged heart as often seen in well trained athletes and is not a sign of concern.
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What are the symptoms of Bradycardia?
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Fatigue or feeling weak
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Dizziness and lightheadedness
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Confusion
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Fainting (or near-fainting) spells
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Shortness of breath, especially with exertion
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Leg swelling - edema
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What imaging/ tests are done to diagnose Bradycardia?
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Resting ECG
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24h-7days Holter ECG
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Implantable rhythm monitor
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What intervention/ treatment can be performed for Bradycardia?
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Treatment is necessary when the patient is symptomatic, meaning the Bradycardia – slow heart rhythm is actually causing dysfunction of the cardiac pump function leading to significant symptoms as outlined above.
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Medications causing bradycardia must be evaluated with your physician and most likely discontinued – sometimes even eye drops can cause lowering of the heart rate.
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In some cases, after thorough investigations, a pacemaker needs to be implanted to regulate the heart rate as needed.
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What intervention/ treatment does CardioCare offer for Bradycardia?
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Our electrophysiology department is equipped to evaluate all reasons for bradycardia and treat accordingly.
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We implant, program and control all kinds of pacemakers as needed by the clinical indications. We cooperate with all renowned pacemaker manufacturers like Medtronic, Biotronik, Abbott/St. Jude and Boston Scientific.
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In certain adequate cases we also offer the implantation of leadless pacemaker devices.
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