Bradycardia

There are many things that can cause the irregular heartbeat associated with bradycardia. These causes include electrolyte deficiencies, anorexia nervosa, inflammation such as myocarditis or endocarditis, infections, radiation therapy, heart surgery, and drugs.

Bradycardia can also be due to conditions such as Lyme disease, Chagas disease, sick sinus syndrome, rheumatic fever and rheumatic infections, and heart block. Other possible causes can be heart attack, heart failure, coronary artery disease, muscular dystrophy, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothermia, hypothyroidism, and sleep apnea.

To determine if you are experiencing bradycardia, your doctor will start with a physical exam and tests that measure your heart rate and examine your heart rhythm. The most likely test used to diagnose bradycardia is an electrocardiogram (EKG), as this is used to track your heart’s electrical activity with precision. This test involves electrodes stuck to the skin of your chest that detect the electrical signals your heart is sending. Other tests that may be ordered include lab tests, as these can rule out possible causes of bradycardia.

Lab tests that can be used will typically test your electrolyte levels and thyroid hormone levels. Your doctor may also test your troponin levels, which is a protein specific to the cells of your heart muscle. Damage to these cells can cause troponin to leak into your blood, which can indicate heart problems. You may also be given a toxicology screen.

If you are suffering from bradycardia without experiencing any symptoms, it’s likely that you may not require any treatment. For people who do experience symptoms, bradycardia is usually treatable and in some cases can even be cured. There are multiple ways to treat bradycardia, which may involve treating the underlying cause of the condition as well.

Medication is used to treat bradycardia if it is causing significant problems such as dangerously low blood pressure. In these cases, doctors will administer an intravenous or injectable medication that can cause your heart to beat faster. Receiving these medications usually requires a hospital stay as patients must be monitored during treatment. However, you may also be prescribed daily oral medications that are used to improve heart function.

Temporary cardiac pacing is another form of treatment that may be required. This involves attaching a device with electrical contacts to the skin of your chest. These contacts allow a mild electrical current to course through your body and cause your heart to beat. This is an effective treatment for those whose bradycardia is acute, but for those with long term issues, they may require a permanent pacemaker.

A permanent pacemaker is a highly effective method of treating bradycardia, especially for those whose condition is caused by other medical problems such as sick sinus syndrome. A permanent pacemaker does not cure bradycardia, but it is a long term solution of effectively managing it.

Although many people experience bradycardia with no symptoms, there are a few symptoms that can develop from lack of blood flow to the brain and other organs. These symptoms include dizziness or lightheadedness, confusion or difficulty concentrating, fainting, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Since these symptoms are common to many different medical conditions, especially heart issues, it’s crucial to get tested to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.