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What are the Most Common Bradycardia Symptoms?

Nat Robinson
Nat Robinson

Bradycardia is one type of heart arrhythmia characterized by an excessively slow heartbeat. Generally, bradycardia symptoms will be different for every person with the heart issue. Often, individuals with bradycardia suffer from symptoms such as fatigue, mild or moderate weakness, fainting and at times shortness of breath. Some individuals also experience dizzy spells, memory impairment and become unable to concentrate for very long. In addition, sleeping problems can also be symptoms of bradycardia in some individuals.

Fatigue is one of the most universal bradycardia symptoms. Commonly, an individual with an excessively slow heartbeat may have extreme bouts of exhaustion and tiredness. In many cases, fatigue is experienced without the person taking part in any particularly strenuous type of activity. Additionally, weakness can also be a symptom. Some people with this condition will lack the physical body strength to do normal activities due to the slowing of the heart's beating rate.

Chest pain may be a symptom of bradycardia.
Chest pain may be a symptom of bradycardia.

Fainting and near-fainting can also be bradycardia symptoms. When a person faints, he or she generally experiences a temporary or brief loss of consciousness. Fainting is commonly one of the most disturbing bradycardia signs and symptoms. Alternately, some people may not totally lose consciousness, but may have near-fainting spells, where they nearly black out. Although, a complete loss of consciousness is not experienced, this symptom can be just as alarming in many ways.

Dizzy spells can be caused by bradycardia.
Dizzy spells can be caused by bradycardia.

Shortness of breath can be another symptom of bradycardia. Chest pains may also be felt. Furthermore, dizziness can be one of the many signs and symptoms of bradycardia which can also lead to near-fainting feelings. Dizziness can initiate feelings of unsteadiness and light-headedness which can potentially occur at any time. For this reason, fainting and near-fainting spells can be some of the most difficult to manage bradycardia symptoms.

An individual with bradycardia may experience memory problems and confusion.
An individual with bradycardia may experience memory problems and confusion.

An individual with bradycardia may also have memory impairment. He or she may have difficulties remembering things after a short or extended amount of time. This may also be accompanied by confusion. Another symptom can be the inability to direct one's attention to one set thing and concentrate.

Bradycardia symptoms can also include sleeping problems. Some individuals with bradycardia have disturbed sleep and find it difficult to sleep comfortably. The disturbance of sleep may be momentary on some nights or occur continuously throughout many nights. As with all symptoms of bradycardia, this symptom will not be experienced by everyone with the condition. In addition, many people with bradycardia have very mild symptoms and some remain asymptomatic.

Discussion Comments

anon956932

This happened to me a couple of weeks ago. I collapsed at a concert. My heart rate was in the 40s. Horrible. Turns out I have a genetic heart condition called cardiomyopathy. The doctor implanted an ICD/pacemaker and I feel much better.

anon947006

Almost cried? I would have bawled.

anon172375

I fainted not to long ago and it was bad. you would feel really dizzy first and then you would fall. once you're down all you see is the color black and you feel like you're paralyzed. Every part of your body feels heavy, you are sweaty really bad and all you want to do is sleep afterward. the hospital gave me an IV and some oxygen because it's also hard to breath. I almost cried.

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    • Chest pain may be a symptom of bradycardia.
      By: nebari
      Chest pain may be a symptom of bradycardia.
    • Dizzy spells can be caused by bradycardia.
      By: 9nong
      Dizzy spells can be caused by bradycardia.
    • An individual with bradycardia may experience memory problems and confusion.
      By: chuugo
      An individual with bradycardia may experience memory problems and confusion.
    • Fatigue is one of the universal signs of bradycardia, a type of heart arrhythmia.
      By: Alliance
      Fatigue is one of the universal signs of bradycardia, a type of heart arrhythmia.
    • People with bradycardia often faint.
      By: Helder Almeida
      People with bradycardia often faint.
    • Shortness of breath and weakness are two potential symptoms of bradycardia.
      By: unitypix
      Shortness of breath and weakness are two potential symptoms of bradycardia.