Bradyarrhythmias are a type of heart rhythm disorder characterized by a slow heart rate (usually less than 60 beats per minute). They can be caused by problems with the heart’s electrical conduction system or by certain medications or underlying medical conditions.
Bradyarrhythmias are important in cardiology because they can cause a lack of blood flow to the body, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, they can also cause a loss of consciousness or cardiac arrest.
To diagnose bradyarrhythmias, a healthcare provider may perform a physical examination, review the patient’s medical history, and order tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitor to assess the heart’s electrical activity. Other tests, such as a echocardiogram or cardiac CT scan, may also be performed to evaluate the heart’s structure and function.
Treatment for bradyarrhythmias may include medications or devices such as pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Medications used to treat bradyarrhythmias include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and anticholinergics. Pacemakers are small devices that are implanted in the chest and use electrical signals to help regulate the heart’s rhythm. ICDs are similar to pacemakers, but they also have the ability to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm in the event of a life-threatening arrhythmia.
The prognosis for patients with bradyarrhythmias depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. In some cases, the condition can be well-controlled with appropriate treatment and lifestyle modifications. In other cases, the condition may be more difficult to manage and may lead to serious complications.
Bradyarrhythmias are relatively uncommon, with an estimated prevalence of 0.2-0.5% in the general population (1). However, the risk of developing a bradyarrhythmia increases with age and with certain underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure.
References:
- Goyal P, et al. (2018). Prevalence and incidence of bradyarrhythmias: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heart Rhythm, 15(8), 1144-1151.