About this topic
Bradycardia is a slow heart rate. In adults, this means your heart is beating less than 60 times in a minute. Some people have a slow heart rate and it does not cause any problems. This is often the case with someone who exercises a lot. Certain drugs, heart damage, or just getting older may cause bradycardia. A slow heart rate is a problem if your heart does not pump enough blood to the body. You may feel very tired, weak, or short of breath. Some people also feel dizzy or lightheaded. If you have any of these signs, it may be very serious if a slow heart rate is not treated right away. A slow heart rate may lead to passing out, coma, or even death. Drugs or a pacemaker may be used to treat a slow heart rate. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Ask your doctor if you need to learn how to check your heart rate.
- Your doctor may want to treat other illnesses that may make a slow heart rate worse.
- Tell your doctor all of the drugs you are taking, both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Your doctor may change some of your drugs if they slow your heart rate.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- You doctor may have you see a specialist. You may need to see a heart doctor called a cardiologist.
- Your doctor may order tests, such as a stress test or wearing a heart monitor recorder over a period of time. Make sure you keep all of these appointments and follow up with your doctor for test results.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may have given you a drug to raise your heart rate while you were in the hospital or ER. If your heart rate has not gotten better with drugs, your doctor may suggest a pacemaker. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Your physical activities may be limited if you have shortness of breath and weakness. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. Exercise may help keep your heart as healthy as possible. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. This means: ‚
- Eat whole grain foods and foods high in fiber.
- Choose many different fruits and veggies. Fresh or frozen is best
- Cut back on solid fats like butter or margarine. Eat less fatty or processed foods.
- Eat more low fat or lean meats like chicken, fish, or turkey. Eat less red meat.
- Limit beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Avoid caffeine.
- If you need help, ask to see a dietitian.
What problems could happen?
- Fainting spells
- Coma
- In very bad cases, sudden death
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Stay active and do 30 minutes of exercise daily.
- Stop smoking.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, or you pass out, go to the ER right away.
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to check my heart rate if my doctor has taught me how to do this.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have chest pain.
Where can I learn more?
American Heart Association ‚
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/AboutArrhythmia/Bradycardia_UCM_302016_Article.jsp ‚
Heart Rhythm Society ‚
http://www.hrsonline.org/Patient-Resources/Symptoms-Diagnosis/Slow-Heartbeat#axzz2OCWVdi9v ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚