ESSENTIAL BRADYCARDIA Meaning and
Definition
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Essential bradycardia refers to a medical condition characterized by an abnormally slow heart rate that occurs without any identifiable underlying cause or associated symptoms. Bradycardia commonly refers to a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute, but in the context of essential bradycardia, the heart rate may be even slower, typically ranging between 40 and 50 beats per minute.
The term "essential" denotes that this condition is considered primary or idiopathic, meaning that it arises spontaneously and does not result from any specific disease or structural abnormalities in the heart. It is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that other causes of bradycardia, such as hypothyroidism, medication side effects, or heart block, have been ruled out through thorough medical evaluation.
Essential bradycardia may be present from birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired). It is generally considered a benign condition, as it rarely leads to severe complications or symptoms. In some cases, individuals with essential bradycardia may experience dizziness, weakness, fatigue, or fainting episodes (syncope) due to inadequate blood flow to the brain caused by the slower heart rate. However, many individuals with essential bradycardia may remain entirely asymptomatic.
Treatment for essential bradycardia is usually only necessary if the individual experiences significant symptoms. In such cases, treatment options may include medication to increase the heart rate or the implantation of a pacemaker, a small device that helps regulate the heart's electrical activity and ensures a more appropriate heart rate. Regular monitoring and evaluation are typically recommended to ensure the condition remains stable and to detect any changes that may require intervention.
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Idiopathic b., a slow pulse for which no cause can be discovered.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ESSENTIAL BRADYCARDIA
- es sential bradycardia
- ess ential bradycardia
- esse ntial bradycardia
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- essent ial bradycardia
- essenti al bradycardia
- essentia l bradycardia
- essential b radycardia
- essential br adycardia
- essential bra dycardia
- essential brad ycardia
- essential brady cardia
- essential bradyc ardia
- essential bradyca rdia
- essential bradycar dia
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Etymology of ESSENTIAL BRADYCARDIA
The term "essential bradycardia" consists of two main components:
1. Essential: The word "essential" in this context refers to something that is fundamental, necessary, or intrinsic. It is derived from the Latin word "essentia", which means "being" or "essence".
2. Bradycardia: "Bradycardia" is a medical term used to describe an abnormally slow heart rate. It is derived from the Greek words "bradys", meaning "slow", and "kardia", meaning "heart".
Therefore, the etymology of the term "essential bradycardia" indicates a condition where there is a low or slow heart rate that is considered fundamental or intrinsic.
