Does your heart beat slowly? (Bradycardia) Let's talk about it simply!

Do you sometimes feel like you're just not breathing, or that you're dizzy? This could be because your heart is beating a little too slowly. Today we're going to talk about this slow heart rate, a condition called bradycardia . Don't worry, the important thing is to be aware of it.

What does this slow heart beat mean? What is `(Bradycardia)`?

Simply put, ``Bradycardia`` means that your heart beats less than 60 times per minute. This is slower than normal. Sometimes this can be dangerous, because problems can arise if the heart is not able to pump enough blood to the body. If this happens, the brain and other organs do not get enough oxygen. However, it is not always dangerous. It can also be normal for the heart to beat slowly, especially in people who exercise a lot and are physically active, for example, good athletes. Their hearts are very efficient, so they can supply the body with the amount of blood they need even when they are beating too much. Therefore, they do not have any harmful effects.

What is the difference between `(Bradycardia)` and `( tachycardia )`?

You may have also heard the words ``tachycardia''. These are two opposite conditions.

• The word ``Bradycardia'' comes from two Greek words. "bradys" means "slow" and "kardia" means "heart." It simply means "slow-beating heart."
• The same goes for `(Tachycardia)`. "tachys" means "fast" and "kardia" means "heart". It means "a heart that beats fast".

Now you understand, right? `(bradycardia)` means a slow heart beat, `(tachycardia)` means a fast heart beat.

Who is most affected by this situation?

Bradycardia can occur at any age, but it is most common in people over the age of 65. This is because the heart rate naturally slows down a bit as we age. It is less common in young people and children, but it can be caused by certain genetic or other conditions that are present at birth. It is also more common in people with certain medical conditions and those taking certain medications. Chest injuries, nutritional problems, and some eating disorders can also cause bradycardia.

How common is this condition?

Bradycardia is a common condition in certain age groups and in certain situations.

• Among those over 65 years of age:It has been found that about one in every 600 adults in this age group has symptomatic ``Bradycardia``. This means that more than half a million people suffer from symptoms due to this condition. However, the number of people with ``Bradycardia`` without symptoms may be much higher. It is common for the heart to slow down, especially in the elderly, while they are sleeping.
• People who exercise regularly and are physically active: People who exercise regularly are likely to have `(Bradycardia)` because they are in good physical health . Their heart pumps blood very efficiently, so it can meet the body's needs even if it beats slowly. Therefore, `(Bradycardia)` does not affect these people at all.

Is `(Bradycardia)` an `(Arrhythmia)`?

Yes, `(Bradycardia)` is an `(arrhythmia)`, that is, an abnormal rhythm of the heart. Because, the heart beats slower than normal. The normal heart rate of an adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. When the heart beats normally, we call it `(sinus rhythm)`. `(Sinus bradycardia)` means that the heart beats normally, but slower than normal. Most of the time `(sinus bradycardia)` is a harmless `(arrhythmia)` (especially for active people). That means that even if the heart rate is lower than expected, it will not cause any harm. Although `(Bradycardia)` is a condition that occurs on its own, it can often occur with other conditions, or as a result of another disease. In such cases, `(Bradycardia)` is treated as a symptom rather than as a separate disease.

How does this condition affect my body?

If you have ``(Bradycardia)``, your heart beats slower than the average adult heart rate. This problem occurs when your heart pumps too slowly to provide your body with the oxygen it needs. This lack of blood and oxygen can affect your entire body, especially your brain and heart.

What are the symptoms of `(Bradycardia)`?

Many people with ``Bradycardia'' do not show any symptoms. This is especially true for those who are physically active and have a healthy heart. However, people whose hearts are unable to pump blood properly may experience the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing .
• Chest pain or tightness (angina).
• Always feeling tired.
• Palpitations (a strange feeling of feeling your heart beating without touching it).
• Memory problems.
• Feeling confused.
• It's hard to concentrate.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, and loss of consciousness (syncope).
• Irritability, restlessness, or other personality changes.

What are the reasons for this situation?

There are many different causes of ``Bradycardia''. Below are some of the most common:

• Electrolyte deficiencies: Deficiencies in electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium can affect heart rate.
• Anorexia nervosa: This is a mental illness related to eating. This can also cause bradycardia.
• Inflammation: Conditions such as inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis), inflammation of the heart muscle itself (myocarditis), or inflammation of the protective sac around the heart (pericarditis).
• Infections: Bacteria that cause throat infections (e.g., strep throat) can damage the heart, especially the heart valves, if not treated quickly.
• Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: If a bacterial infection in the throat is not treated quickly, it can lead to rheumatic fever, which can lead to rheumatic heart disease years later.
• Lyme disease: A disease caused by a bacteria transmitted by ticks. This can also affect the heart if left untreated.
• Chagas disease: A disease caused by a parasite transmitted by blood-sucking insects (kissing bugs).
• Sick sinus syndrome: This condition occurs when the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial (SA) node, does not function properly. This means that the electrical signals needed to cause the various parts of the heart to contract at the right time are not produced.
• Heart block: A common name for a blockage in the heart's electrical system. This blockage blocks or interrupts the flow of electrical signals, causing the heart to beat irregularly.
• Types of medicines (`(Drugs)`):Some medications, such as beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, anti-arrhythmia drugs, narcotic painkillers, lithium, and some antidepressants, can cause bradycardia. Also, drugs like marijuana (cannabis) can cause bradycardia.
• Heart surgery: Bradycardia can also be caused by surgeries to treat congenital heart conditions, heart valve repairs, or replacements.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy for things like cancer can have adverse effects on the heart, causing conditions like radiation heart disease.

How to recognize this?

A doctor can diagnose whether you have bradycardia by examining you, measuring your heart rate, and performing tests that analyze your heart rhythm.

What kind of tests are done?

These are the tests that are often done:

• Physical examination
• Electrocardiogram (`(ECG or EKG)`)
• Blood tests (`(Lab tests)`) (to check electrolytes, thyroid hormones, troponin levels)

How is Bradycardia treated?

If you have bradycardia but no symptoms, you probably don't need treatment. But for those who do have symptoms, bradycardia is almost always treatable, and sometimes completely curable. Treatment options include medication and devices such as pacemakers . A permanent pacemaker can help control the condition long-term.