Sinus Bradycardia is a condition where your heart beats slower than usual and is a sign of an underlying medical issue. The normal rate of your heartbeat should be between 60 and 100 beats per minute unless you are an athlete. This exception is because they are physically fit and have increased cardiac output, which helps their heart function optimally.
However, when an individual’s heart rate is less than 60 per minute with no regular exercise, they may develop symptoms. These symptoms may come from the inability to pump sufficient blood into your heart and a delayed supply of blood to the body. In this blog, we are going to understand the symptoms, causes, and treatment of sinus bradycardia.
Facts About Sinus Bradycardia
This condition is common for older people, as their heartbeat tends to slow down naturally. After the age of 65, the heart slows, as do people who exercise regularly. This condition is rarely found in children, especially if they have had a congenital birth.
You can never know how slowly your heart is pumping unless you check the pulse. So, this might be harmless in the initial stage, but afterward, it may create problems for your brain and body. When the brain and body do not receive sufficient blood, they may not function properly and create a disbalance in the whole body.
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Symptoms Of Sinus Bradycardia
Early detection of this condition is very rare, as most individuals do not show symptoms until after they are diagnosed with it. But if you have been exercising regularly, then you might have the following symptoms of sinus bradycardia:
- lightheaded feeling or dizziness
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations or an unpleasant feeling in your heart
- Syncope, or the feeling of fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Irritability or agitation
- Confusion
- Pain in your chest
- Unable to concentrate
- Cardiac arrest
- High blood pressure
- Angina
Causes Of Sinus Bradycardia
There are various causes that can affect the heart rate. But the ones that show symptoms are those that you need to worry about. These symptoms give you a sign of underlying medical issues that can develop. Below are the causes of sinus bradycardia.
- Electrolyte deficiency
- Inflammation
- Anorexia nervosa
- Heart block
- Medications like beta blockers or anti-arrhythmic drugs
- Coronary artery disease
- Sick sinus syndrome
- Hypoxia
- Radiation therapy
- Infection
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Heart attack
- Trauma
Treatment For Sinus Bradycardia
The treatment of this condition depends on the diagnosis. With the tests, you can better understand if this condition is reversible or irreversible, or if it requires a temporary or permanent solution. Here are the treatments that your doctor may recommend for sinus bradycardia.
Pacemaker
Pacemakers are permanent implants in your chest that deliver electric current to your heart to keep up the rhythm. These can also come in temporary solutions when the condition is reversible or you need to wait for surgery to implant a pacemaker in your chest. This temporary pacemaker is attached to your chest with a wire connecting to your heart. It provides immediate support for the heart rate.
Medication
Drugs like atropine or IVs are recommended by healthcare providers to manage your condition. These help with fatigue, nausea, blood pressure, or frequent fainting issues. This will help your heart increase its heartbeats by blocking the effects of the vagus nerve on the heart.
Lifestyle Changes
Individuals suffering from this condition are required to reduce the consumption of stimulants like caffeine, manage stress, and get proper sleep in their routine. A balanced diet with regular exercise is a must to reverse this heart condition. Also, try to get enough sleep.
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Can Sinus Bradycardia Be Cured?
In medical terms, you can treat it by controlling your heart rate with medications. Additionally, if you take good care of yourself by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, managing your blood pressure levels, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly, By adapting to these practices, there are good chances that you can get rid of this condition for good. But even if you cannot say goodbye to Sinus Bradycardia, there are treatments and healthcare providers to back you up with medications and pacemakers.
