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.
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.
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 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.