Bradycardia is when the heart rate is slower than what is considered normal, which in adults is less than 60 beats per minute.
In athletes, it is considered a variant of what is considered normal, but several pathological causes have been described: a reaction to drugs, alterations in the heart's circulation, changes in the heart muscle's excitability, etc.
There are asymptomatic people. When symptoms occur, they tend to take the form of dizziness, weakness and/or loss of consciousness.
The diagnosis is made clinically by questioning and physical assessment, including recording the number and regularity of pulses. It is confirmed by an electrocardiogram.
Treatment is aimed at eliminating the triggering cause and treating the symptoms with cardiac pacemakers. In persistent cases, it may be necessary to implant 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.
