Bradycardia

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Bradycardia is a slow heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute. A slow heart rate is normal for some people, such as athletes, and needs no treatment. Bradycardia can also signal other health conditions that do need treatment.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

You may be given medicines to treat or manage the cause of your bradycardia at home. Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working or you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of emergency.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider or cardiologist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits. You may need to see specialists for more treatment. If you get a pacemaker, your cardiologist needs to make sure that the pacemaker is working as it should. Ask your primary healthcare provider or cardiologist when and how he will check your pacemaker.

Heart monitoring at home:

You may need to use a home heart monitor to provide your primary healthcare provider with more information about your condition. This device may be called a Holter monitor, event monitor, or mobile telemetry. Your heart rate and rhythm may be recorded for a week or more, or only at certain times. Ask your primary healthcare provider for more information about Holter monitoring.

Activity:

Ask your primary healthcare provider when you can return to your normal activities. Ask about activities you may need to avoid. Lie down if you feel lightheaded.

For more information:

• American Heart Association
  7272 Greenville Avenue
  Dallas , TX 75231-4596
  Phone: 1- 800 - 242-8721
  Web Address: http://www.heart.org
  

• Heart Rhythm Society
  1400 K Street NW, Ste 500
  Washington , DC 20005
  Phone: 1- 202 - 464-3400
  Web Address: www.hrsonline.org
  

Contact your primary healthcare provider or cardiologist if:

• You are more tired than usual, even with treatment. Daily activities and exercise are harder to do.
  
  
• You have questions about the Holter monitor.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• Lightheadedness returns or worsens.
  
  
• You have new or worsening dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or confusion.
  
  
• You faint or lose consciousness.
  
  
• Your pulse rate is lower than your primary healthcare provider says it should be, even with treatment.

Learn more about Bradycardia (Discharge Care)