General Information About Bradycardia
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the condition where the heart, which normally should beat between 60 and 100 times a minute, drops below 60 beats a minute (slows down) due to an electrical reason.
No. Especially in professional athletes or during sleep, it is completely normal and healthy for the heart rate to drop to the 40s-50s. What is dangerous are the situations where this slowing down cannot meet the body's needs.
Aging of the sinus node, which is the natural generator of the heart, tissue damage due to past heart attacks, an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), or high doses of blood pressure medications (beta blockers) can cause it.
When the heart beats very slowly, the oxygen going to the brain decreases. Consequently, chronic fatigue, shortness of breath increasing with exertion, blackout/dizziness, lightheadedness, and sudden fainting (syncope) episodes are seen.
An Electrocardiogram (ECG) taken during a cardiology examination is the first step. To catch the fluctuations of the rhythm problem throughout the day, the patient is monitored with a 24-48 hour Rhythm Holter device.
If the slowness does not cause complaints like dizziness or fainting in the patient, it is only monitored. If it is due to medications, the drug dose is adjusted. If the electrical system is completely disrupted, the permanent solution is the placement of a Pacemaker under the skin with local anesthesia.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
