Definition of Bradycardia

Bradycardia

Bradycardia is an abnormally slow heart rate, generally defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute in adults. While it can be normal and harmless in well-conditioned athletes or during sleep, it becomes a medical concern when it is too slow to meet the body's needs, causing symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, fainting, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort.

Causes include problems with the heart's electrical conduction system, the effects of certain medications, hypothyroidism, electrolyte imbalances, and increased vagal tone. In the ACLS setting, symptomatic bradycardia is treated according to a dedicated algorithm that may include the medication atropine, transcutaneous pacing, or infusions such as dopamine or epinephrine to restore an adequate heart rate and blood pressure.

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Medical Definition & Meaning

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