Bradycardia is when the heart beats slower than what is considered normal; in adults when it beats below 60 beats per minute.
In athletes, it is considered a variant of normality, but many pathological causes have been described: reaction to drugs, alterations in cardiac circulation, alterations in the excitability of the heart, etc.
Some people do not manifest symptoms. When they do, it is usually in the form of dizziness, weakness and/or loss of consciousness.
Diagnosis is clinical by interrogation and physical examination with measurement of the number and regularity of the pulsations. It is confirmed with an electrocardiogram.
Treatment is aimed at correcting the triggering cause and treating the symptoms with medication that accelerates the heart. In permanent cases, it may be necessary to place a pacemaker.
- Munther K Homoud, MD. Sinus bradycardia. UpToDate. Jun 22, 2016.
- Frank Zimmerman, MD. Bradycardia in children. UpToDate. Sep 08, 2016.
- Milanesi R, Bucchi A, Baruscotti M. The genetic basis for inherited forms of sinoatrial dysfunction and atrioventricular node dysfunction. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2015; 43:121.
- Epstein AE, DiMarco JP, Ellenbogen KA, et al. 2012 ACCF/AHA/HRS focused update incorporated into the ACCF/AHA/HRS 2008 guidelines for device-based therapy of cardiac rhythm abnormalities: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. J Am Coll Cardiol 2013; 61:e6.
