Unresponsive Bradycardia
Unresponsive Bradycardia: An Overview
Unresponsive bradycardia is a type of abnormal heartbeat that occurs when the heart rate is slower than normal without any response to drugs or interventions. Unresponsive bradycardia is commonly caused by a heart attack or stroke, and can also be a result of an underlying health condition or a specific medical procedure.
Symptoms of Unresponsive Bradycardia
The main symptom of unresponsive bradycardia is a slower than normal heartbeat. Other symptoms can include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting or near-fainting episodes
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Irregular heartbeat
Causes of Unresponsive Bradycardia
Unresponsive bradycardia can be caused by a variety of things including:
- Medication side effects
- Congenital heart defects
- Cardiomyopathy
- Heart attack or stroke
- Certain medical procedures
- Eating disorders
- Hormonal imbalances
- Overactive thyroid gland
- Infections
Treatment of Unresponsive Bradycardia
In some cases, unresponsive bradycardia can be treated with medication, such as medications to increase the heart rate or to help control abnormal heart rhythms. In more serious cases, a pacemaker may be needed to regulate the heartbeat.
In addition to treating the underlying cause, lifestyle changes may be necessary in order to reduce the risk of unresponsive bradycardia. These changes may include quitting smoking, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol and certain medications.