CHDFNigeria
Heart rate is the number of times the heart beats in one minute. It determines the rate at which the heart pumps blood. This has to be normal so the heart can work effectively. For infants, bradycardia is defined as a heart rate less than 100 beats per minute (normal for this age is around 120–160 BPM). In adults where normal heart rate is between 60-100 beats per minute, bradycardia occurs when the heart rate is consistently less than 60 beats per minutes. This can cause inadequate blood flow to the brain.
In athletes, silent bradycardia are common due to cardiac remodelling from vigorous activities. They may not show any signs or symptoms, however, when they do get symptomatic, treatment is required.
Causes
- Congenital heart defects (present at birth)
- Heart attack or disease
- Low thyroid hormone levels in the body
- Medications
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Infection of heart tissue (myocarditis)
- Old age
- Post open heart surgery complication e.g ASD
Symptoms of bradycardia may include:
- Fatigue or feeling weak
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Confusion
- Fainting (or near-fainting) spells
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty when exercising
- Cardiac arrest (in extreme cases)
- Chest pain
Complications
- Frequent fainting
- Inability of heart to pump blood (heart failure)
- Syncopal attack
- Heart attack
- Death
Management
In children, giving oxygen, supporting their breathing, and chest compressions are recommended.
- Medications: medications like Atropine and adrenaline are necessary in bradycardia
- Pacemaker : temporary or permanent
- Treating the underlying factors causing it.
