Treatment
Bradycardia

Prevention

In some cases, treatment may not be required. If you have no heart disease, your heart’s response to exercise is normal, and you experience no symptoms, then your bradycardia may be a normal part of your life. Your doctor will decide if treatment is needed.

In other cases, your doctor may need to treat your bradycardia in order to alleviate some symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, fainting, or dizziness.

To treat your bradycardia, your doctor will need to treat the underlying cause. This may be as simple as changing a medication that is triggering your bradycardia or it may involve treating a heart condition. Sometimes if the underlying condition is treated, the bradycardia resolves. If you are experiencing symptoms of bradycardia, and the condition is not treated, it could lead to death. So, it is important to see your doctor and follow his or her advice.

Because the most common causes of bradycardia are abnormalities with the heart’s natural pacemaker or electrical system, an implanted pacemaker is often required to stimulate the heart’s electrical impulses. A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device that your doctor will program to cause your heart to beat a specific number of times per minute. The device will be implanted in your body. There are several types of pacemaker, and your doctor will work with you to determine which one is best for you. If you have a pacemaker, you will need to monitor it and schedule follow-up appointments with your doctor.

If you have a severe case of bradycardia, then you may need to be given intravenous (IV) medication so that your heart beat can stabilize before a pacemaker can be implanted or the underlying condition be treated.

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Prevention

You can prevent heart disease, which may lead to bradycardia, by taking care of your heart. Controlling your cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes is an important first step. You should also eat a low-fat and low-sodium diet, exercise, and avoid alcohol. Check with your local hospital or organizations within your community for programs that can help you maintain a healthy weight, stop smoking, and reduce stress.

NEVER ignore symptoms because they could be life-threatening.


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