Bradycardia, or low heart rate, might sound ominous on the first go but it isn’t always indicative of some serious problem. Bradycardia is a condition wherein a person’s heartbeat is less than 60 beats per minute. A lot of people suffer from low heart rate due to various reasons, which may include lifestyle, regular exercise, or even sleep. Though some forms of bradycardia require treatment in the hospital, it is possible to relieve mild and moderate symptoms with the help of certain home remedies, along with the modification in certain aspects of one’s lifestyle. Now in this article, I am going to explain how you can regulate your heartbeat at home and keep it healthy using natural methods, proper nutrition, changes in lifestyle, and exercising.

What is the cause of bradycardia?

There are a number of causes that give rise to bradycardia. Some of the causes are discussed in the section below:

1- Natural/ physiological causes

Some people have a naturally low heartbeat, and this condition depicts the absence of any disease or disorder. For instance, in athletic persons, it is generally seen that their heartbeat is low because of immense physical training that enhances their heart performance. As a result of increased heart-pumping power, the efficiency of the circulatory system increases. In these conditions, bradycardia is a sign of healthiness of heart and has no need for treatment.

2- Heart Disorders

Among the leading causes of bradycardia, one is the problems with the heart system. Damage to the conduction system of the heart, one such problem includes the blocking of the electrical pathways and defects of the heart muscle. Such disorders include coronary artery disease, heart block and sick sinus syndrome.

3- Electrolyte problems

Any disturbance in the electrolytes of the body will inversely affect the functioning of the heart and might lead to bradycardia. Such as a decrease in potassium and magnesium, which is highly responsible for regulating heartbeat.

4. Drugs

Some drugs can be one of the causes of bradycardia, mainly drugs that are used for treating heart disease, high blood pressure, or psychiatric problems. Such as beta-blockers, digitalis, digoxin, and tricyclic antidepressants.

5. Endocrine disorders

Abnormal functioning of some glands in the body, especially the thyroid gland, may affect the heart rate.

6. Infections and inflammatory diseases

Some infection or inflammatory diseases, such as endocarditis and myocarditis, may destroy the heart together with its electrical conducting system.

7. Aging

Aging has the potential for deteriorating electrical conduction of the heart. Therefore, in old age a person may encounter with problematic sinus node that, along with other parts, conducts impulses slowly through their electrical system leading to slowed heartbeat, therefore. Its thought to be part of usual aging of heart.

8- Heart attack

A heart attack may also damage the cardiac muscle of the heart and its electrical conducting system. Where the damage is bad, electrical signals will not pass properly through the heart and causes bradycardia.

9- Hypotension

This is when the blood pressure becomes too low, then the body could not provide an adequate amount of blood to the organs, muscles, and even to the heart. This eventually reduces the workload for the heart, that eventually results in a slow heartbeat.

Symptoms of bradycardia

Bradycardia does not present symptoms always. As a matter of fact, for some individuals, the condition will not manifest symptoms at all. But in case the heart rate goes slow enough and blood supply starts to reduce to body organs, a person can note the following symptomatology :

• Irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Extreme tiredness or weakness
• Fainting (syncope) or near-fainting
• Decreased tolerance for physical activity
• Difficulty concentrating or having trouble with memory

Sometimes, bradycardia doesn’t have symptoms and is detectable only during a medical test.

Home remedies for low heart rate

The home remedies for bradycardia are the change in style of life, modification of diet, and application of some natural and relaxing techniques that will contribute to the betterment of the health of the heart and avoiding further aggravation of bradycardia. However, it is crucial that any home remedy should be on the recommendation of a doctor because some forms of bradycardia need to be treated medically with the help of medication. Now I will discuss in detail the home remedies for bradycardia:

1- Dietary change

A healthy and proper diet can reduce the chances of bradycardia or strengthen heart function. The foods which help for a healthy heart are as follows:

• Food containing potassium and magnesium

These two are the major minerals responsible for the electrical balance of the heart; hence, they are considered very important in maintaining the rhythm of the heart. The good sources for these minerals include bananas, potatoes, spinach, avocados, beans, almonds, spinach, nuts, and fatty fish like salmon.

• Omega-3 food

Omega 3 fatty acids are helpful in heart function improvement. It also decreases the conditions of inflammation. Mainly, it contains oily fishes, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines. The supplements are available for it, too.

• A decrease in the intake of salt and saturated fat

Excessive use of salt develops high blood pressure that is the predisposing factor for bradycardia or heart disorders. Reduction of saturated and trans fat can keep heart healthy

• Fiber content based food

The food containing fiber content, fruits, vegetables, whole grains improves heart condition and maintains reduction rate of heart diseases

2- Mild Exercises and Physical Activity

The practice of exercises and routine physical activity reinforces the functioning of the heart along with its pulse. Weighty exercises must be avoided by the patients suffering from bradycardia, and one should focus on gentle exercises. Following are some of the exercises one must follow:

• Walking

It is soft daily exercise that may increase the rate of blood flow and results in strengthening the heart.

• Yoga and meditation

These are the forms of exercises that quiet the nervous system and lower stress, both factors decreasing heart rate;

• Breathing exercises

A good deep breathe or mild aerobics-like swimming is a contributor to strengthening heart function.

3-Managing Stress-Mental Relaxations

The action of the stress is to either increase or decrease the heart rate. Thus, learning to cope with stress and keeping the mind cool may also help in managing bradycardia.

• Meditation

One of the best methods by which the mind can be soothed and the stress can be reduced is meditation. It will help your nervous system and heart rate regulate through daily meditation.

• Deep breathing techniques

Deep, slow breathing minimizes parasympathetic nervous system arousal, allowing the heart rate to return to normal.

• Yoga and tai chi

These exercises help in coupling physical movement with mental focus and deep breathing. Both of them are quite effective in improving heart health and reducing symptoms of bradycardia.

4- Dietary supplements

The supplements that support better functioning of the heart and put their rates in order include : Always Consult a physician prior to the addition of the supplement.

• Magnesium

It is quite useful during regulation of heart rate as it lowers the risk of bradycardia; magnesium helps the muscles function appropriately, which include the heart muscles.

• Coenzyme (Q10)

Antioxidant useful to improve the functioning of hearts and energized cells; studies suggested for a few centuries that the functioning of Co-Q10 for improvements in cardiac health-related to many other heart issues is vital to undertake.

• Omega-3

It promotes or helps maintain your heart condition plus reduces or manages one’s self inflammation by consuming this supplement of such nutrients.

• Potassium

If a deficiency of this essential electrolyte is present then supplements recommended by the doctor may be helpful. This mineral is used by the electrical impulses that control the heartbeat.

5- Heart-friendly drinks

Yes, there are a few heart-friendly drinks, and consuming them will help have control over regular heartbeats and considered good for a heart patient, as :

• Green tea

Green tea has loads of uses that help with your heart’s health, and also with the regulation of your heartbeat. It also possesses immense antioxidant action, which proves of great utility.

• Coconut water

It is an enormous source of potassium and electrolytes. The intake of it assists your body to regulate the quantity between electrolytes and heart rhythm.

• Beetroot juice

Many other studies also reported that beet juice lowers blood pressure as well as maintains heart muscles.

6- Warnings and precautions

• Consult a Doctor

When the heartbeat very slow and regularly dizzy or one often chronically fatigued. He/She must be seen immediately, bradycardia could even require medication treatment and might require even a pacemaker.

• Alcohol and caffeine intake

These are known to affect the heart rate. At times, excess consumption of one or both leads to bradycardia or increased heart rate variability.

• BP and electrolytes

The blood pressure should be monitored along with the occasional testing of the electrolytes as that would prevent the onset of any heart-related disease.

Final Thoughts

The home treatment for slow heartbeat is, in most conditions based on the cause and seriousness of the bradycardia. Generally, a good diet, light physical exercises, and decreasing stress are all advisable to heal one’s heart. The thing is, one should never forget that in some conditions, bradycardia may denote a more serious problem requiring immediate treatment and specialized medical care-which is to say nothing of installing a pacemaker. Anyway, in these situations, it is highly required to consult a doctor and monitor continuously a patient’s condition not to develop dangerous complications.

References

Bradycardia

Evaluating and managing bradycardia

Bradycardia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

To others, the season may be charming, with beautiful flowers blossomed, changing leaf color down to refreshing and pleas­ingly cold atmosphere, but to the only one, a reminder that makes up those miserable months by thinking irritating signs of seasonal allergy onset in certain persons, these times do bring sneezes that blow out uncontrollable like the north winds; one or all wet the face mask tissues-frequent blowing and an eye which appears itchier the harder the resisting becomes. Seasonal allergy or the so-called “hay fever” is one of those seasonal companions that may disturb the daily quality of our lives at any time of the year. Fortunately, though the seasons cannot be changed, there are many ways of treating them and decreasing their symptoms. From the identification and avoiding of irritants to active medication, home remedies ensure that such symptoms are reduced in intensity and one gets to enjoy seasons more freely. In this article, I am going to talk about the causes of seasonal allergies and the best ways to get rid of them; if you seek to live a life free from seasonal allergies, this article can be a good guide for you.

Causes and symptoms of seasonal allergies

Seasonal allergies are caused when the body’s immune system overreacts to certain substances in the air that naturally would not be hurtful. These allergens include pollen from trees, grass, weeds, and even dust mites. The reaction to these substances by the immune system involves the release of histamine and other chemicals in the body, giving rise to symptoms such as sneezing, runny and stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and sometimes coughing. Because these allergens are increased in the air at certain times of the year, specifically spring and fall, symptoms usually are confined to those seasons. For example, during the spring, tree pollen may dominate the air while during the fall, weeds and molds may be the primary causes. The most common symptoms of seasonal allergies include the following:

• Itchy and red eyes
• Frequent sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough and sore throat
• Fatigue and decreased energy

Medication treatments for allergies

One of the most common ways to control and reduce symptoms of seasonal allergies is medication treatment. This is usually prescribed for a short period of time and comes in different types, depending on the severity of the symptoms. In the following paragraphs, I will introduce some effective types of medications for seasonal allergies.

1. Antihistamines

Antihistamines are drugs of first choice used in the treatment of seasonal allergies. Drugs from this group soothe the symptoms caused by allergy: sneezing, itching of skin and runny nose-exact through the suppression of histamine’s production- is a chemical generated inside body. Medicines of this group come either in a tablet, syrup, or even spray presentation form. A few of the antihistamines cause sleepiness but the new generation of these medications like loratadine and cetirizine are less likely to be cause drowsiness.

2. Nasal sprays

Nasal sprays, more so the steroid sprays, are effective to reduce inflammation and control the symptoms of allergy up the nose. Medications prevent nasal congestion and runny nose by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. Common sprays to help control allergy symptoms include corticosteroid sprays like fluticasone.

3. Anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids

In more serious allergies, when the suffering cannot be controlled by antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids are prescribed. These medications control the symptoms of allergy by blunting the body’s inflammatory response to allergens. Steroids usually come in pill and injection forms and are prescribed only when the case is severe.

4. Prescription Medications

In extreme conditions of seasonal allergies that are resistant to over-the-counter medications, doctors prescribe certain medications. These may include drugs that combine antihistamines and steroids or even specific medications that reduce inflammation and sensitivity to allergens.

Alternative and Natural Allergy Treatments

The world is in dire need of natural, non-drug methods of alleviating the symptoms of seasonal allergies. These natural and alternative treatments can be applied either as a supplement or alternative to pharmaceutical methods. Herein, I will mention some natural and effective methods. They are as follows:

1. Natural Supplements

Some of the natural supplements that work in alleviating the symptoms of allergies with anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties include Vitamin C and Quercetin. Vitamin C improves immunity while Quercetin is an antihistamine bioactive plant compound obtained from onions and apples.

2. Dietary changes

Some of them reduce the rate of inflammation within the body and, in turn, decrease allergic reactions. For example, intake of food containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, and food containing antioxidants, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, reduces inflammation and enhances the immune capacity.

3. Natural herbs

These include anti-inflammatory herbs such as mint, ginger, and turmeric, which also help in reducing allergic symptoms. There is also the use of local honey since it contains small milligrams of allergens; this can also be a way through which your body gets desensitized from pollen.

4. Respiratory techniques-yoga

These yoga exercises and breathing techniques reduce stress and improve breathing, thus diminishing the symptoms of seasonal allergy automatically. These meditations and breathing exercises reduce respiratory inflammation and improves allergy symptoms.

Life Style, Management and Prevention of Allergy Symptoms

Prevention of seasonal allergy means reduction in the amount of exposure to allergens. It is quite impossible to stop these particles from entering the living atmosphere completely; however, the severity of symptoms can be reduced by employing just a few basic steps. Besides pharmaceutical and natural treatments, changes in life style and day-to-day management also can reduce the severity of seasonal allergy. These include:

1. Identification of allergen

Accurate identification of the allergens responsible for an allergic reaction is the first step in the prevention of allergy. Doctors identify these factors accurately through the performance of allergy tests or observation of the patient’s symptoms in different seasons. One can also employ various special allergy tests and advanced analysis devices to diagnose and identify types of allergies. Some of the most common are :

• Skin Prick Testing

A small amount of the suspected allergen is placed on the skin, most frequently on the forearm or back, and scratched lightly. This would mean that where the reacted redness or swelling appears, it is positive. Non-invasive, thus it may be quick and applied for a wide range of common allergens such as pollen, animal dander, and foods.

• Blood Test

This is for detecting the presence and amount of the particular IgE antibodies against the particular allergen present in blood. Tests such as ELISA and ImmunoCAP are recent, advanced forms of immunological-type testing. They are very valuable when skin testing is not possible, or may even be specifically preferred.

• Challenge testing

This test generally refers to food allergy whereby an individual is exposed little by little with more of the allergy component. This kind of test shall be done by being closely monitored under a physician or one authorized within his clinical setting simply because immediate cure is needed just in case severe reaction occurs.

• Patch Test

This is a diagnostic test for contact allergies. Under this technique, a number of patches are attached to the skin, and those patches contain different allergens. Then the skin is kept for 48 hours, after which the reactions of the skin are observed.

• Spirometry and respiratory measurements

In the case where the allergy presents its results in respiratory symptoms like asthma, the spirometry devices measure the functioning of the lungs.

• Molecular and genetic testing

Novel forms of testing, which become more specific in identifying the particular component of the allergen a person may be hypersensitive to. It is useful in more complicated cases and when traditional methods of testing do not work.

2. Allergen avoidance

Symptoms can be minimized, provided allergens have been identified, by avoiding their direct contact in the best manner possible. For example, when pollen levels are high, it is best to stay indoors with windows closed.

3. Air filters and good ventilation

Fix high efficiency air filters in your homes and bedrooms to minimize airborne particles. This along with proper ventilation and keeping your home clean will help reduce particles of allergens.

4. Personal and environmental hygiene

The cleanliness of the living environment is one of the most important methods of reducing exposure to allergens. Such as frequent hand-washing, showering upon returning from outdoors, and frequent changes of clothes reduce the amounts of pollen and dust that enter the body. Washing pillows and blankets on a regular basis can reduce accumulation of allergens, too.

5. Physical activity and exercise

Regular exercise will contribute to strengthening your immune system and reducing stress and inflammation. However, peak allergy seasons require that any outdoor activities should be performed in the mornings or after a rainstorm when the amount of pollen in the air is low.

6. Stress Reduction

It accentuates the severity of seasonal allergy symptoms. Some stress-alleviation measures that diminish levels of stress while increasing levels of immunity involve mediation, yog, and pranayams. The right well-round life coupled with proper rest shall also serve a magic pill keeping the allergies symptom in good state.

7. Proper Slumber

Quality sleep is an important requirement in health and for building the immune system. Allergic people reportedly suffer from disturbed sleep either because of nasal congestion or sneezing. Better quality sleep may be ensured through proper treatment as well as through structural improvement of the sleeping environment through the use of humidifiers or air purifiers.

Final Thoughts

Seasonal allergy symptoms may just be another saga of running noses and itching eyes, but a few changes in simple habits with awareness make the whole thing pretty easy to handle. Remember, every season is different; it is a new opportunity to learn a bit more about your body and what your body is sensitive to. A little effort in identifying your triggers, following a few practical tips, and choosing the right treatments can make quite a difference. While one cannot change the seasons, definitely with the right choices, the seasons can be made more pleasant and therefore feel better each day.

References

Allergic Rhinitis Guidelines

Allergic Rhinitis Treatment & Management

Pharmacologic Treatment of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Medical technology helps people in present times to have better quality and quantity of life compared to ever before. One such advancement is the invention of a pacemaker. The pacemaker acts as the silent savior for saving the patients from heart disturbances. These pacemakers, though minute, are an influencing factor that helps return the patients to normal life with their controlled heart rhythm. But the question is, can a pacemaker improve people’s lifespan? What factors can affect the life span of people with these devices? In this article, I go into details about such questions and glimpse into the lives of people living with a pacemaker.

What is a pacemaker?

A pacemaker is a small electronic device used in people whose heartbeat is irregular, be it faster or considerably slower. However, it also acts as a lifesaver in regulating the electrical activity in one’s heart and the regularities at suitable heartbeats. Pacemakers are implanted primarily in a person with severe abnormalities; the patient then suffers from issues that may include but are not limited to bradycardia or cardiac arrhythmias, which is to say, slow heartbeat or irregularity of the pulse.

A pacemaker consists of two major parts:

1- Pulse generator

That part of the device is responsible for producing electrical pulses. These then get transferred to the heart for making it beat in a normal rhythm. The pulse generator contains an internal battery that lasts for 5 to 15 years and must be replaced on time.

2- Electrodes (wires)

These wires are connected from the pulse generator to the heart, and they carry electrical pulses to the heart muscles.

How many types of heart batteries are there?

The heart battery is divided into two main kinds, depending on the needs of the patient:

1- Single-chamber pacemakers

This pacemaker works with only one electrode and is located in one of the heart chambers: either the atrium or the ventricle. This kind is used in the case of patients with heartbeat disturbance in only one of their heart chambers.

2- Dual-chamber pacemakers

The most widespread type is a two-electrode one because it stimulates the two chambers of the heart, namely, the atrium and ventricle. Therefore, this type of pacemaker is recommended to patients with more complicated tachy- and bradycardial arrhythmia that requires atrial and ventricular rhythm guidance simultaneously.

How is a heart battery installed and replaced?

1- Implantation

Positioning of the Pacemaker: As discussed above, it is a minor surgical procedure, usually under local anaesthesia, and is often carried out in a sterile environment. The doctor makes a tiny cut in the chest; then the pacemaker is inserted under the skin or in a muscle along with electrodes that fasten to the heart. Following this installation, patients are necessary for post-surgery care, and patients are bound to visit a physician routine check so that the device would work according to a correct method.

2- Battery replacement

Replacement is also indicated when the life of the pacemaker battery is about to expire. The procedure for this also takes only a few hours, similar to the initial installation. Newer batteries use technologies that last longer, necessitating fewer replacements.

What is the average life expectancy of people with a pacemaker?

One of the questions which one always finds being asked by the patients and their families is what effect installing a pacemaker will have on the life span of the people. Here, I will discuss the various factors affecting the life span of people with a pacemaker.

1- The effect of the patient’s age

Age of the patient is one of the major determining factors of life span of people with a pacemaker. Chances of younger patients to live long are more since the general health of these people is good and hence they have better recovery chances from surgery. In older people, though a pacemaker implantation can highly improve the quality of life, thereby increasing the life span of them, provided heart problems are well controlled.

2- Pre-existing health conditions

One’s general health condition prior to the implantation of a pacemaker is another factor that decides his or her span of life. People suffering from other chronic diseases besides heart problems may suffer more and this could include diabetes, high blood pressure, and respiratory diseases. Even in these cases, a pacemaker can improve quality of life and reduce symptoms of co-morbidities.

3- How to take care of the device

The other significant factor that can affect the life span of the patients is how the patients look after their pacemaker and follow the advice provided by the doctor. It was evident that the patient who regularly visited their doctor, and checked the functioning of their device had fewer problems and better performance of the device. Also, on time battery replacement and necessary repairs are critical factors that shall be considered.

4- The impact of technological advances

Recent development and advancements in medical technology, specifically in pacemakers, have also been a significant factor in the increase in life expectancy for patients. Newer models can last longer and with more functions in monitoring and controlling heart functions that could minimize potential problems and prolong patients’ lives.

5- Scientific studies on patient life span

Lots of research was done regarding the pacemaker’s effect on the life spans of patients. Scientific researches show that a lot of the patients get longer and healthier lives after implanting the pacemaker. Generally, implantation of the pacemaker saves patients from sudden heart attacks or other serious heart problems and thus, they can continue their regular life.

What care does a person who has a pacemaker need, to prolong his life span?

Medical attention is taken for a person with a pacemaker to prolong his life expectancy and improve his quality of life. A person with an artificial pacemaker needs the following:

1. Regular follow up with a doctor

• Periodical check-ups

The patients should be taken periodically to the doctor for the checking of the pacemaker. These check-ups help the doctor check the device settings and correct them if necessary.

• Monitoring of the Battery

This is one of the most important parts of care, which involves checking the condition of the pacemaker battery. The doctor may use special devices to check the condition of this battery and indicate the correct time for its replacement.

2- Timely Replacement of Battery

The battery of the pacemaker lasts for 5-15 years, according to the model and type of device. The replacement of the battery in time will avoid possible problems because of the shutdown of the device.

3- Avoid devices that interfere with the functioning of the pacemaker

Some of the electronic devices, such as used in airport security, older versions of microwaves, and MRI systems, interfere with the working of the pacemaker. The patients are not supposed to go near these devices and in case should consult their doctor.

4- Physical activity, regular exercise

One may resume light to moderate physical exertion after implanting a pacemaker, after seeking the doctor’s advice. Aerobic exercises such as walking and swimming, as well as yoga, are quite suitable for these individuals. It will help in improvising heart health and decreasing complications related to the heart. Regular exercise, on the other hand, should be done.

5- Follow a healthy diet

A diet that includes a balance of foods at a low-fat level minimizes the work the heart does hence improving the heart’s functionality. Patients are normally put on a low salt, saturated fat, and sugar intake diet with recommendations to increase fruit, vegetable, and whole grain intake.

6- Avoid smoking and alcohol

Tobacco and alcohol destroy the heart and lessen the age of the heart battery. Abandoning smoking and alcohol improves health conditions of the heart and extends the length of one’s life.

7- Managing Stress

Long-term stress invites problems related to heart issues. The patients suffering from a heart battery must know how to handle their stresses through meditation, bio-breathing, or yoga in order to maintain stress under control.

8- Maintaining the Medications

Many heart battery patients take medications in order to regulate blood pressure, cholesterol or other issues of the heart. Medications taken must be careful, as dosed and on schedule in order to maintain healthy hearts and extend life expectancy.

Final Thoughts

Eventually, though the implantation of a heart battery may initially cause apprehensions, with sufficient care, periodic visits to doctors, and following medical advice scrupulously, patients can lead a long, healthy, and uninhibited life. Nowadays, thousands of people all over the world enjoy active, energetic lives with the assistance of pacemakers and continue to go about their daily lives. This innovation has, therefore, allowed patients to look forward to the future with much confidence and a sense of security in life.

Sources

Pacemaker longevity

The Actual Lifespan of Pacemakers

Pacemaker Longevity: The World’s Longest‐Lasting VVI Pacemaker

Bradycardia Medically termed is a condition in which a human being has a below than normal heart rate. Normally, heart rate in an average healthy adult rests between 60 to 100 beats per minute. If the heart beats less than 60 beats per minute, it’s diagnosed as bradycardia. However, not every low heart rate is problematic; a professional athlete or in general whoever in very good shape usually has a slower heartbeat. In this paper, I am going to research about low heart rate, its possible risks and complications, causes, and factors that affects it, ways of diagnosis and treating bradycardia.

What are the causes of Bradycardia?

1-Physiological; Natural Causes

• Exercise

The heart, among professional athletes or people who are regularly subjected to aerobic exercises, slowly gains strength and becomes efficient; thus, it causes the resting heart rate to slow down naturally without any problem.

• Sleep

Parasympathetic nervous system is very active during sleep. The result of this increase in activity includes a natural slowing of the heart rate.

• Age

With increasing age, the heart intrinsically slows down. This is considered a normal process of aging and might be manifested as bradycardia.

2- Pathological causes

• Electrical heart disorders

Any abnormality in the electrical system of the heart, such as heart block or a malfunctioned sinus node, can be a cause for a slow-beating heart. These disorders allow the timing signals not to pass properly to the muscular part of the heart.

• Heart diseases

Heart diseases are another cause of bradycardia, including heart failure, inflammation of the heart muscle, and valve diseases. Each of these diseases is associated with an impact on the pumping function of the heart; therefore, it can slow the heart rate down.

• Hypothyroidism

The thyroid plays an important role in the regulation of metabolism within the human organism. An underactive thyroid would ultimately lead to a patient having bradycardia or a slow heart rate.

• Electrolyte imbalance

Electrolytes, which include potassium and calcium, are integral in the functioning of the heart. Any disturbance in the level of any one of these makes the heart beat at a snail’s pace.

• Infections and inflammatory diseases

In bad cases of infections or diseases of inflammation, including rheumatic fever, there could be damage to the heart in order to decrease the heart rate.

• Drugs and Medications
• Sleep apnea

Abnormal breathing, such as sleep apnea, leads to a lot of variation in the heart rates and sometimes causes bradycardia.

Bradycardia Symptoms

It can thus be asymptomatic. Persons who have this condition can at times show no symptoms whatsoever. When the heart rate is decreased to the degree that adequate blood flow no longer reaches the organs of the body, the symptoms, in that case can be as follows:

• Shortness of breath
• An irregular heartbeat;
• Dizziness or lightheadedness;
• Pain or discomfort in the chest;
• Extreme weariness or weakness;
• Concentration or memory issues;
• Fainting (syncope) or almost fainting;
• Reduced tolerance for physical activity.

It often seems to be asymptomatic, and hence it is diagnosed by certain medical tests.

What are the Complications of Bradycardia?

Severe bradycardia may lead to some critical complications if it is left untreated on time. The following are included in them:

1- Overall Weakness and Fatigue

A drop in the rate of heartbeat reduces the amount of blood supply to muscles and limbs, and one starts feeling tired and weak.

2- Dizziness and Lightheadedness

Due to the reduced blood supply going to the brain, dizzy, light-headedness or vertigo may be present in people with bradycardia.

3. Fainting or Syncope

Severe decrease in the supply of blood to the brain may result in loss of consciousness or fainting.

4. Shortness of Breath

In some cases, this leads to the failure of the body to take up appropriate responses to oxygen needs, hence a feeling of shortness of breath or the need for deep breaths.

5. Chest Pain

Bradycardia patients often complain of some pain or uneasiness in the chest, especially when undergoing some physical exertion.

6. Impaired Concentration and Memory

A decrease in the supply of oxygen to the brain may lead to problems in concentration and even short-term memory.

7. Heart Failure

Severe types of bradycardia can also result in heart failure when the heart is unable to pump out the blood efficiently.

8. Cardiac Arrest

In very few cases and grave stages, Bradycardia has the potential for causing cardiac arrest and the need for instant resuscitation.

9- Low Blood Pressure

As it does not allow the heart to pump more blood, bradycardia may lower down the blood pressure and hence causes dizziness and further fatigues.

How is Bradycardia Diagnosed?

Bradycardia requires a keen observation by the doctor for diagnosis. Following are usually the diagnostic techniques being practiced for this disease:

1- Medical History

The doctor may start with questions about symptoms, medical history, family history of diseases, and medications. These will be reviewed: history of heart conditions; medications that can slow the heart rate, such as beta blockers or antidepressants; or other conditions that may lead to bradycardia.

2-Physical Examination

• Heart rate

The doctor listens to the heartbeat of the patient with a stethoscope and counts the beats.

• Blood pressure measurement

This is because it allows estimates of the general state of both the heart and blood vessels.

3- Electrocardiogram (ECG)

The most valuable tool in the diagnosis of bradycardia is an ECG. An ECG records the electrical impulses of the heart and shows whether the heart rate is slow, and if the heart’s rhythm is abnormal. If the bradycardia is not constant, an ECG may not be showing a decreased heart rate at that time.

4- Holter Monitor

24-48-hour heart rate recording: If the physician is unable to detect bradycardia on an electrocardiogram, then he may order a Holter monitor. A Holter monitor is a small device attached to the individual, which records the heartbeat of a person in a continuous period, generally for 24 to 48 hours. This mechanism assists in finding irregular heartbeat rhythm that may be intermittent.

5- Stress Test or Exercise Test

This is a test for observing the response of the heart to physical activity. The patient exercises on the treadmill or stationary bike in which the ECG is taken during exercise. If the heart rate does not adequately increase with exercise, it may be indicative of bradycardia.

6- Event Monitoring

If it does not happen frequently, the doctor may order an event monitor. A monitor is a smaller device; the patient is usually to wear for several weeks while the patient activates the device to record heart information once experiencing symptoms of bradycardia.

7- Tilt Table Test

This is done in cases of patients who present vertigo or fainting, and the doctor suspects a problem in heart rhythm. The patient is placed on a special table that gradually changes position from horizontal to vertical; the heart’s response and blood pressure are monitored.

8- Echocardiography

This test uses sound waves to give pictures of the heart structure and how the heart is working. This examination helps the doctor check for structural problems in the heart-including valve or heart muscle failure-that could be causing bradycardia.

Accurate diagnosis of bradycardia is not only important to find the underlying cause of this heart condition but also for the institution of proper therapy. Bradycardia, if accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, and even fainting, it requires immediate medical attention.

How can one Prevent Bradycardia?

Prevention of Bradycardia depends upon the following:

• Healthy Heart

One is able to keep his heart healthy through regular workouts, healthy diet, and not smoking.

• Underlying Diseases

Control of blood pressure, diabetes, and other metabolic diseases decreases the risk for bradycardia.

• Medications

Patients receiving any drugs known to impact heart rate should be routinely followed up by a doctor.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, a low heart rate-or brady­cardia-can look very different from one person to another. While for athletes or people who keep themselves in good shape, it would be normal if heart rate were below 60 beats per minute as the sign of a healthy heart, low heart rate for the most of people, especially with such manifestations as dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, or even falling could stand for very serious problems of the heart functioning. In such cases, a heartbeat less than 40-50 beats per minute is also considered a dangerous condition and calls for immediate investigation and treatment. The diagnosis of its cause and the selection of treatment would require appropriate diagnostic tests and follow up for avoiding the complications to keep the heart of a patient healthy.

References

Bradycardia

Bradycardia: Symptoms & causes

Evaluating and managing bradycardia