Key points about bradyarrhythmia

Bradyarrhythmia is a condition which causes a slow heart rate (less than 60 beats per minute) and abnormal heart rhythms.
It can be caused by age-related changes, heart disease, electrolyte imbalances or certain medications.
Symptoms may include dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath or chest pain, though some people don’t experience symptoms.

Common related conditions

Arrhythmias Bradycardia Arrhythmia

Bradyarrhythmia causes

Age-related changes in the heart
Heart disease, such as coronary artery disease or heart attacks
Medications that slow the heart rate, like beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers
Electrolyte imbalances or thyroid issues (like hypothyroidism)
Problems with your heart's natural pacemaker (the sinoatrial node) or conduction pathways

Bradyarrhythmia risk factors

The most common risk factors for bradyarrhythmia include:

Being 65 years old or older.
Having heart disease, coronary artery disease and previous heart attacks.
Using medications that affect heart rate, like beta-blockers.
Electrolyte imbalances, hypothyroidism or a family history of arrhythmias.

Bradyarrhythmia symptoms

Bradyarrhythmia is usually asymptomatic (meaning it doesn’t have noticeable symptoms) especially in people who are very physically fit.

Symptoms may include:

Fatigue
Dizziness
Fainting
Shortness of breath
Chest pain

Severe cases can lead to confusion, heart failure, or even life-threatening complications.

Bradyarrhythmia diagnosis

Bradyarrhythmia is diagnosed with an electrocardiogram (ECG), which detects slow heart rate and abnormal electrical patterns.
A Holter monitor or exercise stress test may be used to monitor the heart over a longer period of time to give your doctors a more defined reading.
Additional tests may be done to identify the underlying cause, such as thyroid function tests or blood work.

Bradyarrhythmia treatment

Treatment for Bradyarrhythmia really depends on the severity and symptoms of the condition. If it’s symptomatic, medications to regulate heart rate may be prescribed. In some cases a pacemaker may be implanted if bradyarrhythmia is severe or life-threatening.

When to seek care

Call your doctor or cardiologist if:

If you experience symptoms like dizziness, fainting, chest pain or shortness of breath.
If you have a known heart condition and notice changes in your heart rate or rhythm.
If you have a family history of arrhythmias or experience unexplained fatigue or confusion.

Bradyarrhythmia