Bradycardia Definition, Symptoms & Treatment: Low Heart Rate Doesn't Affect Cardiovascular Disease Risk

A new study found out that bradycardia has nothing to do with lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and decrease of mortality rate except for those who are taking HR-modifying medications that contribute to lower heartbeat per minute.

Bradycardia is a condition where the person has an abnormally slow heart rate. The normal heart rate of a healthy adult falls between 60 bpm to 100 bpm. Therefore, bradycardia is someone who has a heart rate of 59 bpm or lower. This condition is known to trigger heart diseases. However, even when it is the case, it is actually not associated to the occurrence of cardiovascular disease.

According to the study published in Jama International Medicine, a total of 6,773 participants aging 45 to 84 years old were recruited. Among the participants, 5,831 of them are not taking HR-modifying drugs. All of the participants were followed and observed for a period of ten years. The aim of the study is to determine the relationship of asymptomatic bradycardia with CVD and mortality.

The results of the study that there is actually no significant connection between having a heartbeat of 50 bpm or lower to developing cardiovascular disease. It also reveals that it does not increase nor decrease the mortality of a person. However, there are a few exemptions. Those who are taking HR-modifying medications suffer from the risk of reduced mortality once their heartbeat falls to 50 bpm or less. Also, those people, whether taking HR-modifying drugs or not, with a heartbeat of 80 bpm or more enjoy increased mortality.

According to Medical Daily, it is normal for people who are taking medications or who are always physically active to have a heart beat rate that is less than 60 bpm. However, for those people who are not taking any drug nor physically active, having a heart beat lower than 60 bpm is already a sign of having a bradycardia.

Science Daily reported that chest pain, fainting, light-headedness and shortness of breath are among the signs and symptoms of bradycardia. These signs and symptoms occur due to the lack of oxygen-rich blood through the body since the heart does not pump enough of it.

According to Drugs.com, there is no need to treat bradycardia especially to those who are well-trained athletes. The only time when you will be needing the help of a professional medical expert is when there are noticeable symptoms that are clearly due to the slow heart rate of the person.