Extreme bradycardia

Extreme bradycardia is defined when the heart beats 30 times or less in one minute. The heart rate considered normal is between 60-100 beats per minute.

Multiple causes have been described including: myocardial infarction, severe infection, shock, complication of cardiac surgery, blood electrolyte imbalance, congenital heart disorder, drugs and sleep apnea.

Symptoms are due to insufficient blood pumping by the heart: dizziness, weakness, tiredness, chest pain, shortness of breath, mental confusion and loss of consciousness (syncope). In severe cases, it can lead to cardiorespiratory arrest.

The diagnosis of suspicion is made by clinical history, and confirmed by taking vital signs and performing an electrocardiogram. The cause will be studied with complementary tests such as blood tests, cardiac ultrasound, or cardiac catheterization.

Pharmacological treatment is aimed at increasing the heart rate and improving blood pressure. If necessary, a pacemaker will be placed to ensure the electrical stimulus that will mark the heart beats per minute. If you suffer a cardiorespiratory arrest, it is essential to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) measures as soon as possible, performing cardiac compressions until you recover or a specialized health team arrives.

If you have any of these symptoms and notice that your pulse is very low, notify your local emergency medical system or go to the emergency room immediately.