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Bradycardia

Definition

Bradycardia is a slow heart rate (60 beats per minute or slower) that does not meet the body's metabolic demands. Symptoms of bradycardia include dizziness, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, or fainting spells.

This can be compared to tachycardia which is an extremely rapid heart rate, usually signified by a pulse of over 100 beats per minute.

Additional Information

Adults usually have a resting heart rate of 70-80 beats per minute although well-trained athletes can have resting rates in the 50's or 60's. Newborn babies have a normal heart rate of 120-160 beats per minute. A slowed heart rate can lead to a variety of other problems but treatment may not be necessary if the patient has no other symptoms. If you experience sudden bradycardia or any of the symptoms associated with it, contact your physician or emergency room immediately.

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SDS Relevance

This term usually appears as a symptom of exposure in Section 11 (toxicological information) of the Safety Data Sheet. First aid treatment may include administration of oxygen or treatment of the underlying cause(s) with drugs such as atropine. Examples of chemicals that may cause bradycardia include sarin (a potent neurotoxic chemical warfare agent), phosgene, many common pesticides, certain halogenated organic materials, high levels of cyanide (often as a combustion byproduct in fires), and many more.

While sudden bradycardia can be brought on by exposure to certain chemicals, bradycardia can also be caused by other factors such as sleep apnea, certain heart medications (such as beta-blockers), and electrical anomalies in the heart. Therefore, one should keep an open mind in trying to find the cause and work closely with a medical professional to assess and, if necessary, treat the condition.

Further Reading

See also: hypoxia, syncope, tachycardia.

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.



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