Bradycardia

Bradycardia is a condition when your resting heart rate falls below 60 beats per minute. It can be caused by a variety of things, including underlying heart conditions, certain medications, and age. UI Health Care electrophysiologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of bradycardia.

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Bradycardia is a condition in which your heart beats slower than normal — typically fewer than 60 beats per minute.

In the heart, a group of cells called the sinus node acts as the heart’s natural pacemaker by generating the electrical signals that start each heartbeat. When these signals slow down or are blocked, bradycardia can occur. While some people — such as those who are physically fit — may naturally have a lower resting heart rate, bradycardia is often a serious condition that prevents the heart from pumping enough blood to the rest of the body.

<60

beats per minute is considered bradycardia

What sets us apart

At University of Iowa Health Care Heart and Vascular Center, we offer comprehensive care for people living with bradycardia. Our center is home to Iowa’s largest and most experienced team of cardiac electrophysiologists, who specialize in diagnosing and treating bradycardia.

We provide more advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options than any other hospital in Iowa. As part of an academic medical center, we also offer access to cutting-edge clinical trials for bradycardia — many of which are not available anywhere else in the state — giving you more opportunities for effective, personalized care.

Sinus bradycardia

Sinus bradycardia is a type of bradycardia in which the heart beats slower than normal but maintains a healthy rhythm. It is often seen in trained athletes or older adults who exercise regularly. Most people with sinus bradycardia don’t experience symptoms, and the condition is generally considered harmless. However, it should still be monitored by your care team.

Symptoms of bradycardia

Symptoms of bradycardia develop when your heart isn’t pumping enough blood, preventing your brain and other organs from getting enough oxygen. Your symptoms may include:

Confusion or memory problems
Fatigue
Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
Chest pain
Fainting or near-fainting spells
Shortness of breath

What causes bradycardia?

Bradycardia has a wide range of causes, including:

Age
Congenital heart defects
Heart disease, including heart failure or heart attack
Issues with the heart’s conduction pathways, including heart blocks
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Complications from heart surgery
Long standing atrial fibrillation
Changes in your body’s electrolyte levels
Obstructive sleep apnea
Inflammatory diseases, such as lupus or myocarditis
Certain medications used to treat pain, heart conditions, or mental health conditions

Risk factors for bradycardia

Because bradycardia can be caused by damage to your heart, certain factors can put you at a higher risk of developing heart problems and bradycardia. These include:

Age
Smoking
Heavy alcohol use
Substance abuse
Stress and anxiety
High blood pressure

How is bradycardia diagnosed?

Diagnosis of bradycardia begins with a physical exam and a detailed health history. From there, several tests can help pinpoint the cause and type:

Electrocardiogram (ECG). A quick, painless test that measures your heart’s electrical activity.
Blood test. A simple test that checks your hormone and electrolyte levels.
Stress test. A monitored exercise test that evaluates how your heart performs during physical activity.
Sleep study. A test that records what’s happening in your brain and body during sleep.

How is bradycardia treated?

Treatment for bradycardia depends on what is causing it. Your care team will work with you to design a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs. Options may include:

Treatment of underlying conditions. If your bradycardia is a symptom of an underlying condition, treating that first can help improve your heart rate.
Changes to medications. If your medications are causing your bradycardia or worsening symptoms, your provider will work with you to switch medications or lower your dose.
Pacemakers. These devices can regulate or correct dangerous heart rhythms, helping to relieve your symptoms.
Cardioneuroablation. A procedure that treats abnormal signaling by destroying or modifying the nerves that are sending out the abnormal signals.

A team-based approach to care

Many people with bradycardia also have other medical conditions that need to be addressed at the same time. Our electrophysiology specialists work closely with other members of your care team to treat each condition and address the underlying causes. They collaborate with a wide range of specialists across UI Health Care to create a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medications, symptom monitoring, and lifestyle changes that consider your overall health and treatment goals.