bradükardiale

Bradycardia refers to a heart rate that is slower than normal. For adults at rest, a heart rate below 60 beats per minute is generally considered bradycardia. However, this threshold can vary, and what is considered normal can depend on factors such as age, fitness level, and medical conditions. Athletes, for instance, often have lower resting heart rates due to their conditioning, and this is typically not a cause for concern.

There are several causes of bradycardia. It can be a normal physiological adaptation in well-trained individuals. In other cases, it may be a sign of an underlying medical problem. Common causes include heart conditions such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack or heart disease. Certain medications, particularly those used to treat high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, or pain, can also slow the heart rate. Other contributing factors include electrolyte imbalances, hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, and infections.

Symptoms of bradycardia can range from none at all to significant health issues, depending on how severely the heart rate is reduced and how well the body is compensating. When symptoms do occur, they may include dizziness, fatigue, fainting (syncope), shortness of breath, chest pain, and confusion. If bradycardia is causing significant symptoms or is linked to a serious underlying condition, medical evaluation and treatment are necessary. This may involve addressing the underlying cause, adjusting medications, or in some cases, implanting a pacemaker to regulate the heart rhythm.