Safety Emporium for all your lab and safety needs

Boiling point

Glossary Index

Bronchitis

MSDS Topics	Free Sites	FAQ's	Regulations	Glossary	Software	Suppliers
	Books	Forum	Poll	Fun stuff	Quiz	Store
Understand your MSDS with the MS-Demystifier				Search ALL our MSDS info

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.

MSDS Relevance

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. If you experience bradycardia or any of the symptoms associated with it, contact your physician or emergency room immediately. First aid treatment may include administration of oxygen or treatment of the underlying cause(s). Long-term treatment may include the insertion of a pacemaker.

Further Reading

• Bradycardia at HeartCenterOnline. Features very *cool* video animations.
• Slow Heartbeat at the Discovery Health Channel.
• Sinus Bradycardia (technical) at eMedicine.com.

See also: hypoxia, syncope, tachycardia.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.