Sinus bradycardia
Description
The sinoatrial node is a part of the heart that’s responsible for producing electrical signals throughout the heart to produce the normal heart rhythm and rate. In sinus bradycardia, a normal heart rhythm is initiated from the sinoatrial node with no changes from normal people but with a slow heart rate (<60 beats/min). This is more common in elderly people and athletes.
Symptoms
Most of the patients don’t have any symptoms, while others may have:
- Fainting or near-fainting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath during activity
- Confusion
Visit a Cardiologist for proper diagnosis and treatment if you have any of these symptoms
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View MoreCauses
- Heart attack
- Sick sinus syndrome
- Chest trauma
- Surgery for repairing heart disease
- Inflammation in heart tissues
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Underactive thyroid gland
- Pauses of breathing during sleeping
- Low body temperature
- Radiation therapy
- Certain medications as sedatives, high blood pressure, and antiarrhythmic medications
Diagnostics
It can be diagnosed by symptoms and physical examination by measuring blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and respiratory rate however, some other tests may be used as well.
- Electrocardiogram (a simple test to examine the rhythm and electrical activity of the heart using skin-attached sensors to detect the electrical signals produced by the heart during each beat). This may be done at the doctor’s clinic, or he may ask you to use a portable one for monitoring throughout the day.
- Laboratory tests: Blood or urine samples are taken to be examined, and this may include:
- Electrolytes (ex: potassium, calcium, magnesium)
- Thyroid functions
- Troponin (a hormone produced by the heart)
- Toxicology screening (to detect toxins in the blood or the presence of certain drugs)
More tests may be requested by the Cardiologist according to the case.
Treatment
If there’s a specific cause of this condition, it should be treated first especially if it’s a temporary cause. Checking the medications used by the patient that may cause slow heartbeats, and stopping them if possible is one of the first steps that should be done.
Treatment options:
Medications: Intravenous Atropine sulphate may be used in unstable patients, but this will increase the heart rate only for a short time.
Cardiac pacemaker: A small device implanted in the chest to control the heartbeats.
