Symptomatic bradycardia is a condition where the heart rate drops below 50 beats per minute, causing symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause, and an electrocardiogram test may be ordered to determine the origins of the abnormal heart rhythm.
Symptomatic bradycardia is a condition characterized by an abnormally slow heart rate accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue. For many patients, this occurs when the resting heart rate drops below 50 beats per minute, although there are some exceptions. People with symptoms related to a low heart rate may need treatment because they could develop complications, including a myocardial infarction, in which the heart doesn’t get enough oxygen and some muscle tissue is damaged. Treatment options may depend on the underlying causes.
Healthy adults can have a heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute. If this drops below 60 beats per minute, it can be classified as bradycardia. In athletes, resting heart rates are often lower, and rates as high as 40 are not necessarily a cause for concern if the patient is clearly healthy. Some people have a naturally higher rate due to specific medical conditions and may have what is known as relative bradycardia. In these cases, a patient may have a resting heart rate above 60, but with symptomatic bradycardia, indicating that their heart is not beating enough to meet their oxygen needs.
Recommendations for resting heart rate and target heart rate for exercise depend on the patient’s age and physical condition. The goal is to avoid bradycardia, where the body doesn’t get enough oxygen, as well as tachycardia, where the heart beats too fast and is overextended. People preparing for exercise regimens can discuss their heart health to determine if they need to take protective steps such as slowly increasing the intensity of conditioning to get the heart used to the increased workload.
Patients with cases of symptomatic bradycardia experience symptoms because oxygen circulation in the body is inadequate. Dizziness, fainting, and unsteadiness can occur because the brain is not getting enough oxygen, and many patients also experience fatigue. If oxygen deprivation is prolonged, the patient may develop symptoms such as redness of the fingers and toes. The risk of myocardial infarction also increases in patients with symptomatic bradycardia.
When a doctor identifies a low heart rate and symptoms, an electrocardiogram test may be ordered. This provides a reading of the electrical activity within the heart, which can help your doctor determine the origins of the abnormal heart rhythm. Some treatment options for symptomatic bradycardia can range from medications to control the heart rate to a mechanical pacemaker that will control the heart rhythm if the heart is no longer able to do so on its own. The best option may depend on the cause, the patient’s general health level, and the preferences of the healthcare professional.
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