Bradycardia (brad-e-KAHR-dee-uh) is a slow heartbeat. The heart rate is less than 60 beats a minute. Fast heartbeat, called tachycardia Types of tachycardias include: Atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Understanding the Context

Chaotic heart signaling causes a rapid, uncoordinated heartbeat. AFib may be temporary and start and stop on its own. Exercise and Heart Rate Causes Prevention and Treatment When to See a Doctor Exercise temporarily boosts your blood pressure and heart rate. It’s one of the best ways to promote a healthy heart.

Key Insights

But ... Bradycardia happens when these signals slow down or are blocked. Things that cause changes in heart signaling that can lead to bradycardia include: Bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome. In some people, problems in the sinus node at the top of the heart cause alternating slow and fast heart rates. Heart block, also called atrioventricular block.

Final Thoughts

Bradycardia Diagnosis To diagnose bradycardia, a healthcare professional examines you and listens to your heart with a stethoscope. You are usually asked questions about your symptoms and medical history. Tests Tests may be done to check your heart and look for conditions that can cause bradycardia. Sick sinus syndrome causes slow heartbeats, pauses (long periods between heartbeats) or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Sick sinus syndrome is relatively uncommon. The risk of developing it increases with age.

Many people with sick sinus syndrome eventually need an implanted device called a pacemaker to keep the heart in a regular rhythm. Heart and heart valve conditions. A heart attack, heart failure, heart valve disease and a slow heart rate called bradycardia can cause low blood pressure. Hormone-related diseases, also called endocrine conditions.