Duration and prognosis of bradycardia

In cases of bradycardia caused by a defective sinus node or a pronounced conduction disorder, the implantation of a pacemaker can usually achieve good therapeutic success. The affected patients are usually free of complaints after the procedure. Bradycardias caused by medication can be eliminated by a change of medication.

Depending on the medication, a normalization of the heart rate can then be expected after a short time. In highly trained people, bradycardia is usually a natural state that is maintained as long as the training condition is maintained, but does not require any treatment. At this point the following article might be interesting for you: Is it allowed to do sports with cardiac arrhythmia?

What could be the long-term consequences of bradycardia?

Especially people who do not want treatment or do not have it carried out can have long-term consequences. On the one hand, the symptoms are maintained or worsen in the course of time due to the lack of treatment. On the other hand, as a result of bradycardia, the heart becomes weaker and weaker and ultimately heads for heart failure, a condition in which it is no longer able to supply the body with sufficient blood. The organs and tissues in the body are affected because they are not supplied with sufficient blood or oxygen. The consequences of a bradycardia that is adequately treated depend on both the treatment itself and the general condition of the person affected and cannot be described in a generalized way.

Which bradycardia is dangerous?

Bradycardia, which is accompanied by insufficient supply to the brain and other organs, can be dangerous for those affected. The brain in particular is dependent on a continuous supply of oxygen. An insufficient supply of oxygen can lead to fainting, for example.

Depending on the cause, bradycardia can also become risky if it persists over a long period of time. The heart loses more and more functionality over the course of time. This ultimately leads to cardiac insufficiency.

The heart is then no longer able to supply the body with sufficient amounts of blood without supportive medication. A bradycardia leads to a circulatory disorder of the brain and accordingly to a lack of oxygen, which has numerous consequences. The consequences of this situation and the serious dangers behind it can be found under Circulatory disturbance in the brain

Nocturnal bradycardia

A bradycardia at night or nocturnal bradycardia usually presents with the same symptoms as during the day. These include tiredness, exhaustion, dizziness, nervousness and also fainting. Often bradycardia is not limited to the night, but is only masked by the activities of the day.

Those affected simply do not notice the symptoms due to the stress and hectic pace of everyday life. At rest, the symptoms are usually noticeable. As with bradycardia occurring during the day, it is important that the cause is identified by a doctor in order to be able to adequately treat the bradycardia.

If bradycardia occurs at night, those affected should therefore consult a doctor. It is also possible that heart palpitations occur during the night. The danger behind this situation can be seen below: Tachycardia at night – Is it dangerous?