What is bradycardia (and what if the heart beats only 40 x min)

Bradycardia: signs and symptoms

Bradycardia manifests itself directly in the area of the heart, but its effects can be felt throughout the body (especially in the brain, lungs and muscles). When the heart slows down, it is not able to supply the body with enough oxygen, leading to general weakness and a threat to vital functions. Bradycardia may develop slowly and be almost imperceptible at first.

Are you suffering from bradycardia? Symptoms most commonly manifest as:

• Feeling faint or tired
• Dizziness to fainting (syncope)
• Shortness of breath even with mild exertion
• Slow or irregular pulse
• Chest pain
• Disturbed concentration or confusion
• Cold sweat and pallor
• In some people, bradycardia may only manifest itself by sudden loss of consciousness

Sinus bradycardia: causes

Different types of bradycardia can be caused by different factors, the most common ones include:

• Heart disease (e.g., ischaemic heart disease, heart attack, myocarditis)
• Electrolyte disorders (e.g., potassium deficiency, calcium deficiency)
• Hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid function)
• Use of certain medications (e.g., beta blockers, sedatives)
• Aging and degeneration of the cardiac conduction system
• Chronic stress or sleep apnea
• Poisoning or severe infections

Excessive alcohol consumption - especially hard alcohol - can also contribute to bradycardia, but beer can also cause a slowing of the heart rate in susceptible individuals, especially when combined with certain medications or when the body is generally dehydrated. Such factors should also be mentioned when consulting a cardiologist.

Treatment of bradycardia

What does bradycardia and its treatment look like? At ATODA Medical, we offer you professional and gentle care, from diagnosis to individually tailored treatment.

The examination includes:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Holter monitoring (24-72 hour heart monitoring)
• Stress test
• Echocardiography
• Blood tests (e.g. thyroid hormones, electrolytes)

In general, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and bradycardia depends on the cause and severity:

• Modifying or stopping medications that slow the heart rate
• Addressing the underlying condition (e.g., thyroid treatment)
• Implanting a pacemaker (a small device that helps the heart maintain a proper rhythm)

A slow heart rhythm is not something to be ignored or addressed by self-diagnosis. Do not read discussions on the internet and do not rely on advice from anonymous forums. The symptoms of bradycardia may look subtle, but the consequences can be serious. The only right step is to have a specialist examination.

Types of bradycardia

There are several types of bradycardia, which differ in their causes and the way they manifest themselves. Correct identification of the type of bradycardia is key to choosing the appropriate treatment.

• Sinus bradycardia: The most common form, where the heartbeat is slowed by the heart's natural pacemaker, called the sinoatrial node. In trained athletes, sinus bradycardia may be normal, but in other patients it can cause dizziness or fatigue.
   
• AV block (atrioventricular block): The transmission of electrical impulses between the heart's atria and ventricles is disrupted. There are three degrees of blockade, depending on the severity, and the most severe can lead to complete loss of heart rhythm.
   
• Sick sinus syndrome: A condition in which the sinoatrial node works irregularly or fails. The heart rhythm may be too slow, irregular or even alternate with acceleration (tachycardia). This type of bradycardia often occurs in older patients and is usually associated with pacemaker implantation.
   
• Bradycardia in sleep: At night, the heart rate naturally slows down due to increased parasympathetic activity. In a healthy person, this phenomenon is usually harmless. However, if the rhythm slows below a critical threshold or blackouts are added, bradycardia at night may indicate a more serious disorder. In such cases, it is important to perform nocturnal ECG monitoring, e.g. using a Holter.

Any type of bradycardia deserves a professional examination, because even a seemingly harmless slowing of the heartbeat can have serious consequences.