Slow Heart Rate Specialist

A slow heart rate, or bradycardia, describes a condition where your heart beats too slowly. Typically, a healthy heart beats between 60 and 100 times a minute. Any heart rate less than 50 beats a minute can qualify you for a slow heart rate.

Without the right treatment, a slow heart rate can lead to more serious health complications, including heart failure, syncope (fainting), and blood pressure that’s too high or too low.

You may develop a slow heart rate as you get older or due to heart damage for a heart attack or existing heart disease. Other risk factors for a slow heart rate include:

• Infection
• Inflammatory disease
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Electrical issues in your heart

Use of certain heart medications can also cause your heart rate to slow down.

When your heart isn’t beating correctly, it’s not able to provide your body with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to maintain good health. This can result in unexplained symptoms like:

• Chest pains
• Chronic fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Difficulties with memories or concentration

You may also develop syncope, episodes of fainting or near-fainting that can occur at any time.

There are a number of tests available at San Diego Varicose Vein Treatment Center for identifying the root cause of a slow heart rate.

Dr. Taghizadeh may recommend diagnostic procedures like an electrocardiogram (EKG). This test uses small electrodes that attach to the surface of your skin and records electrical information about your heart.

In some cases, a stress test may be necessary to evaluate your heart health. This test involves walking on a treadmill while electrodes monitor your heart’s activity as you exercise.

You may also need to wear a Holter monitor, a small device that records your heart activity for a period of up to 48 hours while you go about your usual routine.

Treatment for a slow heart rate depends on the root cause of your condition. If medications you’re taking for existing heart issues is lowering your heart rate, Dr. Taghizadeh may make changes to your treatment.

If your slow heart rate is putting you at risk for other health complications, Dr. Taghizadeh may recommend a pacemaker. This implanted device delivers electrical impulses into your heart to regulate its beat.

To find out if you’re a candidate for a pacemaker or other treatment for a slow heart rate, call the San Diego Varicose Vein Treatment Center nearest you or request an appointment online today.