Bradycardia is a slowing of the heart rate, a consequence of taking certain medications or even underlying pathologies. Usually without significant severity, redundant bradycardia must be managed appropriately.

Bradycardia is a heart rhythm disorder, which describes an abnormally low heart rate. That is a heart rate of less than 60 bpm. This decrease in heart rate may be the result of an abnormality in the sinus nodule or an abnormality in the circuit of electrical signals along the heart muscle (myocardium).

Sinus bradycardia is generally seen and felt in athletes or as part of deep relaxation of the body. In another context, it may be a health consequence, for patients with cardiac deficiencies or even after taking certain medications.

The severity of bradycardia and the associated medical treatment directly depend on the area of ​​the heart affected. In the majority of cases, temporary bradycardia does not present the need for rapid and immediate treatment. Indeed, a weakening of the heart rate can occur within the framework of a good general state of health, or even in response to a relaxation of the body.

In other cases, it may also be a deterioration of the myocardium, especially with age, in the context of coronary pathologies or the taking of certain drugs (particularly treatments against arrhythmia or for arterial hypertension).

The heart works through a muscular system and an electrical system. The conduction of electrical signals, passing through the atria (upper parts of the heart) and through the ventricles (lower parts of the heart). These electrical signals allow the heart muscle to contract in a regular and coordinated fashion: this is the heart rate.

As part of the “normal” functioning of the heart, the electrical impulse then comes from the sinus nodule, from the right atrium. This sinus nodule is responsible for the heart rate, its frequency. He then plays the role of pacemaker.

The heart rate, also called heart rate, of a healthy adult is then between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bbm).

Bradycardia can then be caused by a deterioration of the heart with age, by cardiovascular disease or by taking certain medications.

Anyone can be impacted by bradycardia. This can be one-off or over a longer period, depending on the case.

Athletes can be confronted with bradycardia. But also in the context of a state of relaxation of the body (relaxation).

Elderly individuals as well as patients taking certain medicines are however more at risk of bradycardia.

Bradycardia usually develops over a short period of time, without causing additional deleterious effects.

However, in the context of redundant and / or persistent bradycardia, it is necessary to consult the doctor as soon as possible. Indeed, in this context, an underlying cause may be the origin and it must be taken care of in order to limit any risk of complications.

Some types of bradycardia do not have any visible and felt symptoms. Other forms can then cause physical and cognitive weakness, dizziness, or even discomfort (syncope).

Different levels of bradycardia should be differentiated:

• The first degree of bradycardia (Type 1), is defined by chronic bradycardia and is similar to a completely disturbed heart rhythm. In this context, the implantation of a pacemaker (replacing the function of the sinus nodule) is recommended.
• The second degree (Type 2), corresponds to impulses, from the sinus nodule, disturbed to a greater or lesser extent. This type of bradycardia is usually the consequence of an underlying pathology. The pacemaker can also be an alternative in this case.
• The third degree (Type 3), is then a lower level of severity of the bradycardia. It is particularly due to the taking of certain drugs or the consequence of underlying diseases. The heartbeat being abnormally low, the patient feels a sensation of weakness. The recovery of the heart rhythm is usually rapid and requires only medication. However, the implantation of a pacemaker may be necessary in extreme cases.

The management options for bradycardia then depend on the level of importance of the latter. Stopping taking the drug, causing this dysfunction, is then the first step. The identification of the source as well as its management is the second (case of an underlying disease, for example). Finally, the implantation of a permanent pacemaker is the last.