There are many reasons why a person’s heartbeat may run fast, or slow. For example, adults who regularly exercise will have a slower resting heartbeat. Additionally, seniors are typically prone to a slower heartbeat as aging causes the heart muscles to weaken. Although these reasons are harmless, bradycardia could also signify a more serious condition. If the heart cannot pump a sufficient amount of blood, symptoms and complications may arise.
Causes, symptoms and risk factors of bradycardia
Other causes of bradycardia include:
- Heart tissue damage associated with aging
- Damage to the heart and heart tissues caused by heart attack or heart disease
- Hypertension
- Congenital heart defect
- Myocarditis
- Complication of heart surgery
- Hypothyroidism
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Rheumatic fever
- Inflammatory disease
- Hemochromatosis (buildup of iron)
- Medications.
Symptoms to pay attention to in regards to bradycardia are:
- Near-fainting or fainting
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pains
- Impaired cognitive ability.
There are a few factors that can increase a person’s risk to develop bradycardia. They include age, smoking, alcohol use, high blood pressure, and psychological stress or anxiety.
Treatment and prevention of bradycardia
A pacemaker may also be an option. A pacemaker is a device that replicates what your heart naturally does on its own. It creates the electrical signals needed to create a heartbeat.
Prevention of bradycardia consists of healthy lifestyle choices which include:
- Exercise and eat well
- Don’t smoke
- Limit alcohol
- Don’t abuse drugs
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Control underlying medical conditions
- Control stress
- Visit your doctor for regular check-ups.
If you already have a heart condition and your doctor has you on a plan, ensure you are taking medications properly as well as following any other suggestions the doctor may have laid out for you.
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Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bradycardia/basics/prevention/con-20028373
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/AboutArrhythmia/Bradycardia-Slow-Heart-Rate_UCM_302016_Article.jsp