This condition may be caused by:

• A problem with the heart, including:

  • A problem with the heart’s electrical system, such as a heart block. With a heart block, electrical signals between the chambers of the heart are partially or completely blocked, so they are not able to work as they should.

  • A problem with the heart’s natural pacemaker (sinus node).

  • Heart disease.

  • A heart attack.

  • Heart damage.

  • Lyme disease.

  • A heart infection.

  • A heart condition that is present at birth (congenital heart defect).

• Certain medicines that treat heart conditions.

• Certain conditions, such as hypothyroidism and obstructive sleep apnea.

• Problems with the balance of chemicals and other substances, like potassium, in the blood.

• Trauma.

• Radiation therapy.

You are more likely to develop this condition if you:

• Are age 65 or older.

• Have high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), or diabetes.

• Drink heavily, use tobacco or nicotine products, or use drugs.

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Light-headedness.

• Feeling faint or fainting.

• Fatigue and weakness.

• Trouble with activity or exercise.

• Shortness of breath.

• Chest pain (angina).

• Drowsiness.

• Confusion.

• Dizziness.

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• Your symptoms.

• Your medical history.

• A physical exam.

During the exam, your health care provider will listen to your heartbeat and check your pulse. To confirm the diagnosis, your health care provider may order tests, such as:

• Blood tests.

• An electrocardiogram (ECG). This test records the heart’s electrical activity. The test can show how fast your heart is beating and whether the heartbeat is steady.

• A test in which you wear a portable device (event recorder or Holter monitor) to record your heart’s electrical activity while you go about your day.

• An exercise test.

Treatment for this condition depends on the cause of the condition and how severe your symptoms are. Treatment may involve:

• Treatment of the underlying condition.

• Changing your medicines or how much medicine you take.

• Having a small, battery-operated device called a pacemaker implanted under the skin. When bradycardia occurs, this device can be used to increase your heart rate and help your heart beat in a regular rhythm.

Lifestyle

• Manage any health conditions that contribute to bradycardia as told by your health care provider.

• Follow a heart-healthy diet. A nutrition specialist (dietitian) can help educate you about healthy food options and changes.

• Follow an exercise program that is approved by your health care provider.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Try to reduce or manage your stress, such as with yoga or meditation. If you need help reducing stress, ask your health care provider.

• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.

• Do not use illegal drugs.

Alcohol use

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.

• Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.

In some cases, bradycardia may be prevented by:

• Treating underlying medical problems.

• Stopping behaviors or medicines that can trigger the condition.