Bradycardia is a medical condition defined as an abnormally low heart rate. It is classed as a heart rate that falls below 60 beats per minute (BPM). Bradycardia may be a natural part of an individual's health or may result from an underlying medical problem. Some of the most common causes of bradycardia include:
- Problems with the heart's electrical system such as atrioventricular blockage - Hypothyroidism - Obstructive sleep apnea - Certain medications - Age
Bradycardia can be categorized into several types, including:
- Sinus Bradycardia: This is a condition where the heart rate is slower than 60 BPM, but the electrical impulses governing the rhythm of the heart originate from the sinoatrial node. - Sinus arrest: Sinus arrest is a condition where the sinoatrial node fails to fire, leading to the absence of cardiac electrical activity and the absence of a pulse. - AV block: This occurs when the electrical impulses from the atria are blocked when trying to reach the ventricles.
Detection of bradycardia is performed by measuring the heart rate, and several tools such as EKG or electrocardiography, can help in the diagnosis of bradycardia.
In the healthcare industry, bradycardia is a critical medical condition that can lead to complications such as low blood pressure, dizziness, syncope, and hypotension. It is essential to monitor heart rates in patients and identify any significant decrease in heart rate because it can result in many severe medical conditions.
Patients with bradycardia may need specific treatment to correct the underlying medical condition or medication changes to manage the symptoms. In severe cases, a pacemaker or other implanted cardiac devices may be necessary to maintain the heart rate and prevent complications.
Overall, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of bradycardia are essential to facilitate optimal patient care.
Bradycardia
Health Care Term
Bradycardia is a medical condition defined as an abnormally low heart rate. It is classed as a heart rate that falls below 60 beats per minute (BPM). Bradycardia may be a natural part of an individual's health or may result from an underlying medical problem. Some of the most common causes of bradycardia include:
- Problems with the heart's electrical system such as atrioventricular blockage - Hypothyroidism - Obstructive sleep apnea - Certain medications - Age
Bradycardia can be categorized into several types, including:
- Sinus Bradycardia: This is a condition where the heart rate is slower than 60 BPM, but the electrical impulses governing the rhythm of the heart originate from the sinoatrial node. - Sinus arrest: Sinus arrest is a condition where the sinoatrial node fails to fire, leading to the absence of cardiac electrical activity and the absence of a pulse. - AV block: This occurs when the electrical impulses from the atria are blocked when trying to reach the ventricles.
Detection of bradycardia is performed by measuring the heart rate, and several tools such as EKG or electrocardiography, can help in the diagnosis of bradycardia.
In the healthcare industry, bradycardia is a critical medical condition that can lead to complications such as low blood pressure, dizziness, syncope, and hypotension. It is essential to monitor heart rates in patients and identify any significant decrease in heart rate because it can result in many severe medical conditions.
Patients with bradycardia may need specific treatment to correct the underlying medical condition or medication changes to manage the symptoms. In severe cases, a pacemaker or other implanted cardiac devices may be necessary to maintain the heart rate and prevent complications.
Overall, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of bradycardia are essential to facilitate optimal patient care.