Causes and risk factors
Causes of bradycardia are sinus node problems, heart blocks, heart tissue damage related to ageing, damage to heart tissues from heart disease or ischemia, High blood pressure, congenital heart defects, myocarditis, a complication of heart surgery. Diseases such as hypothyroidism, obstructive sleep apnoea, hemochromatosis etc. can lead to bradycardia. Other causes include electrolyte imbalance, inflammatory disease such as rheumatic fever or SLE, certain medications can cause lowered heart rate. Smoking, heavy alcohol, psychological stress, anxiety can cause bradycardia.
Clinical presentation
In bradycardia, the brain and other organs may not get enough supply of oxygen. As a result, the following symptoms are experienced near-fainting or fainting [syncope], dizziness, weakness, fatigue. There is shortness of breath, chest pain. Patient complaints of disturbed sleep, confusion or memory impairment, easy tiring during physical activity.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. An ECG is recommended. Holter monitoring is advised. Tilt table test is useful and is advised in some cases. Routine blood tests are done to rule out other causes.
Treatment
No treatment is required for many patients. The mode of treatment depends upon the cause. A pacemaker is used if there is underlying damage to the heart’s electrical system. Medication is needed for hypothyroidism or other underlying conditions. Lifestyle corrections such as maintaining an ideal weight, not smoking, eating a low-fat, and low-salt diet etc. all help in relieving bradycardia.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating bradycardia. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating bradycardia.
