Your heart is the engine that keeps your body running, pumping blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. A normal resting heart rate for adults typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). But what happens when your heart beats slower than that? This condition is known as bradycardia, and while it isn’t always dangerous, it’s important to understand when it might signal an underlying health issue.
What Is Bradycardia?
Bradycardia is defined as a resting heart rate of fewer than 60 bpm. For some people, such as well-trained athletes or those who are physically very fit, a lower heart rate is normal and even healthy. Their hearts are efficient enough to pump more blood with each beat, requiring fewer beats per minute to meet the body’s needs.
However, for others, bradycardia can be a sign of a problem with the heart’s electrical system. The heart has a natural pacemaker—the sinoatrial (SA) node—that generates electrical impulses to trigger each heartbeat. If this system slows down or becomes disrupted, it can result in an abnormally slow heart rate, leading to various symptoms and health risks.
Common Causes of Bradycardia
Several factors can lead to bradycardia, including:
- Aging: As we age, natural wear and tear on the heart’s electrical system can slow the heartbeat.
- Heart disease: Conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, or myocarditis can damage heart tissue and affect electrical signals.
- Medications: Certain medications, including beta-blockers and some types of sedatives, can lower heart rate.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can slow down bodily functions, including heart rate.
- Sleep apnea: Repeated pauses in breathing during sleep can disrupt heart rhythms.
- Electrolyte imbalances: Low potassium or calcium levels can interfere with the heart’s electrical signals.
Symptoms of Bradycardia
In some cases, bradycardia may cause no noticeable symptoms, especially if the heart is still pumping enough blood to meet the body’s needs. However, when blood flow is reduced, symptoms can include:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting or near-fainting spells
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Confusion or memory problems
If you experience any of these symptoms—particularly fainting or difficulty breathing—it’s important to seek medical attention.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Diagnosing bradycardia involves a combination of physical exams, medical history, and heart monitoring tests. Common diagnostic tools include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test records the electrical activity of your heart and can detect slow or irregular rhythms.
- Holter monitor: A portable ECG device worn for 24 to 48 hours to track heart rhythms over time.
- Event monitor: Used for longer-term monitoring, often worn for weeks to detect infrequent episodes.
- Blood tests: These can check for underlying causes such as thyroid issues or electrolyte imbalances.
Treatment Options
Not everyone with bradycardia needs treatment. If you have no symptoms and your heart is otherwise healthy, your doctor may simply monitor your condition. However, when bradycardia causes problems or is linked to other health conditions, treatment may be necessary.
Common treatments include:
- Adjusting medications: If a drug you’re taking is the cause, your doctor may alter the dosage or prescribe a different medication.
- Pacemaker implantation: For chronic or severe cases, an electronic device called a pacemaker may be implanted to help maintain a normal heart rate. This small device monitors your heart rhythm and sends electrical impulses to prompt a heartbeat when needed.
- Treating underlying conditions: Managing health issues such as thyroid disorders or sleep apnea can significantly improve bradycardia, often eliminating the need for additional treatments. For those in Boise dealing with low thyroid levels, seeking specialized care for thyroid health can help address the root cause and improve overall heart function.
Living with Bradycardia
If you’ve been diagnosed with bradycardia, regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential. Many people with mild cases live normal, active lives with little to no impact. For those who require a pacemaker, the device can significantly improve quality of life and reduce the risk of complications.
You can support heart health by:
- Staying active (under your doctor’s guidance)
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol
- Managing stress and getting quality sleep
- Monitoring your symptoms and seeking care when needed
Final Thoughts
Bradycardia may sound concerning, but in many cases, it’s not dangerous—especially for those who are physically fit. However, when slow heartbeats are paired with symptoms or underlying health issues, it’s crucial to get evaluated and treated. Understanding the basics of bradycardia empowers you to make informed decisions about your heart health and seek care when necessary.
