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What Causes Fatigue And Breathlessness When Heart Beats Decrease?
I have an extensive amount of blockage which produces an irregular heart beat. My heart beat has been on the slow rate all my life (around 50). About 6 months ago I was the recipient of a pace maker which was regulated at 50 beats per minute. I was under the impression that this device would prevent my heart to go below that figure. Since then, my heart increased its beating, sometimes up to 90 b/m. Recently that number decreased to a very uncomfortable level of 38 b/m only to fluctuate back again to a higher number. When I experience the low figure, I don t get dizzy or have a sensation of fainting, but I do get tired and easily out of breath. Any suggestion would be appreciated.
Thu, 1 Jun 2023
Hi,
Fatigue and breathlessness can be symptoms of various medical conditions, including those related to the heart and cardiovascular system. When heartbeats decrease, it typically indicates a slower heart rate, a condition called bradycardia. Bradycardia can result from several factors, and its association with fatigue and breathlessness depends on the underlying cause.
Here are a few possible explanations:
* Reduced Cardiac Output: Bradycardia can lead to a decrease in the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute, reducing cardiac output. This reduction in blood flow can limit the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues, resulting in fatigue and breathlessness.
* Poor Circulation: A slower heart rate may compromise blood circulation, especially if the heart is unable to generate sufficient force to propel blood effectively. This reduced circulation can affect the oxygen supply to tissues, leading to fatigue and breathlessness.
* Heart Failure: In some cases, bradycardia may be associated with heart failure, a condition where the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently is impaired. Heart failure can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to breathlessness and fatigue.
* Medications: Certain medications, such as beta-blockers or other heart rate-lowering drugs, can intentionally slow down the heart rate to treat specific cardiovascular conditions. In some individuals, these medications can contribute to fatigue and breathlessness.
* Underlying Health Conditions: Other medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, electrolyte imbalances, or respiratory disorders, can also cause both bradycardia and the associated symptoms of fatigue and breathlessness.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Muhammad Umer Farooq, General & Family Physician
Fatigue and breathlessness can be symptoms of various medical conditions, including those related to the heart and cardiovascular system. When heartbeats decrease, it typically indicates a slower heart rate, a condition called bradycardia. Bradycardia can result from several factors, and its association with fatigue and breathlessness depends on the underlying cause.
Here are a few possible explanations:
* Reduced Cardiac Output: Bradycardia can lead to a decrease in the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute, reducing cardiac output. This reduction in blood flow can limit the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues, resulting in fatigue and breathlessness.
* Poor Circulation: A slower heart rate may compromise blood circulation, especially if the heart is unable to generate sufficient force to propel blood effectively. This reduced circulation can affect the oxygen supply to tissues, leading to fatigue and breathlessness.
* Heart Failure: In some cases, bradycardia may be associated with heart failure, a condition where the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently is impaired. Heart failure can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to breathlessness and fatigue.
* Medications: Certain medications, such as beta-blockers or other heart rate-lowering drugs, can intentionally slow down the heart rate to treat specific cardiovascular conditions. In some individuals, these medications can contribute to fatigue and breathlessness.
* Underlying Health Conditions: Other medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, electrolyte imbalances, or respiratory disorders, can also cause both bradycardia and the associated symptoms of fatigue and breathlessness.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Muhammad Umer Farooq, General & Family Physician
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