Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate): When Is a Pacemaker Needed?

June 3, 2025

Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate): When Is a Pacemaker Needed?

Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
03 June, 2025

June -Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)_ When Is a Pacemaker Needed Bradycardia in medical terms means you have a slower heart rate than usual. For most adults, the normal heart rate has been found to be between 60 and 100 beats per minute while at rest. Some people may have slightly lower rates too, but they won’t show any other symptoms. At such times, there is no problem. The issue arises when the heart struggles to beat and oxygen rich blood is not able to circulate properly all over the body. Then, you begin to feel very tired, cannot breathe normally and may even faint or feel dizzy. If the bradycardia you have is too severe and is impacting your daily quality of life negatively, you may need to get a pacemaker inserted.

Symptoms Of Slow Heart Rate In Adults-

If you suffer from the following symptoms or signs, then you may need to get checked immediately.

If you have chest pain
Feel too tired and cannot be active at normal levels
If you have memory issues or get confused easily
If you always feel dizzy
If you feel like you are not able to breathe comfortably
Irritability or change in mood
Even heart palpitations, in a few situations.

Bradycardia is pretty common in older individuals or if people exercise too much. The normal heart rhythm is called the sinus rhythm and when the heart rate is slower than usual, it is termed sinus bradycardia. While it is not an issue for athletes or older people, if it presents with other symptoms, then it is better to address it.

Causes Of Bradycardia And Treatment Options-

There are many causes as to why bradycardia can happen. Let us look at a few of them below-

If you have an electrolyte deficiency
If you have inflammation of the heart tissue- like myocarditis, pericarditis or endocarditis.
If you have infections that are not treated in time, it can affect the heart valves at times.
If there is some issue with the electrical system of your heart
If you undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer
If you have sleep apnoea etc.

There are many other conditions which can cause bradycardia, but these are some common ones you should know about.

Conclusion

Monitoring your heart rate and breath rate at home can be done with an ambulatory monitoring set up. You will need to learn how to find your pulse and then count the heart rate. You can also just wear a smartwatch these days and they are good at keeping records for long periods of time. If you notice chest pain, feel dizzy or have other symptoms along with low heart rate, then you should talk to your doctor about possible treatment methods that can benefit you in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bradycardia?

It is a condition of the heart where it beats less than 60 times per minute. His is because when the heart beats slower than usual, blood flow is not as fast, oxygen levels may drop below normal and you may feel dizzy or breathless or very fatigued. It is not always an issue though, as many people and athletes have resting heart rates that go below 60, but they are fine as they don’t show any other worrisome symptoms.

When is a pacemaker needed for bradycardia?

If you have sinoatrial dysfunction or if you show symptoms like exhaustion, breathlessness and feel dizzy often, or if you face bradycardia as a side effect of certain medications, then you may need to get a pacemaker inserted. But, talk to your doctor first if other approaches will be fine to try.

Can bradycardia be temporary?

Yes, heart rate may be slower than usual if you have a thyroid disorder or if the heart muscle gets inflamed. When these underlying causes are treated , you get better. But, chronic bradycardia will need to be addressed in a different way.

How is bradycardia diagnosed?

You will have a detailed physical examination done and imaging will be recommended. ECG, EKG or Holter monitors may be used. Stress tests and tilt table tests may also be used in a few cases to see why you have bradycardia. Lastly, blood tests can also be incredibly helpful to check for electrolyte imbalances, thyroid hormone issues or other toxins or compounds that may be causing your bradycardia.

Are there non-surgical treatments for bradycardia?

Yes, making lifestyle changes can help in the long run. Plus, if you are not overtly symptomatic, you may not require treatment either. If bradycardia is due to thyroid issues or sleep apnea, then taking medications or those conditions can help you feel better.