Nodal bradycardia, a type of abnormal heart rhythm, is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet as /ˈnoʊdəl brædɪˈkɑrdiə/. The first syllable, "nodal," is pronounced with a long "o" sound and a soft "d" at the beginning. The second syllable, "bradycardia," contains the sound of the letter "a" followed by a rolled "r" sound and the short "i" sound. This spelling accurately reflects the pronunciation of the term and helps healthcare professionals communicate effectively about this medical condition.
Nodal bradycardia refers to an abnormally slow heart rate caused by dysfunction within the atrioventricular (AV) node, which is an essential component of the electrical conduction system of the heart. The normal resting heart rate of an adult is between 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm), and bradycardia is diagnosed when the heart rate drops below 60 bpm.
In nodal bradycardia, the AV node fails to adequately conduct the electrical signals from the sinoatrial (SA) node, the natural pacemaker of the heart, to the ventricles. As a result, the heart rate slows down and may become irregular. This condition can be caused by various factors including disruptions in the electrical conduction pathways, medication side effects, heart diseases, or intrinsic abnormalities in the AV node.
Symptoms of nodal bradycardia may vary from person to person but can include fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, fainting, chest pain, and confusion. In severe cases, inadequate blood flow to vital organs due to a slow heart rate can lead to low blood pressure and even loss of consciousness.
Treatment options for nodal bradycardia depend on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause. Mild cases may require no intervention, while more severe cases may be managed through medications or implanted devices such as pacemakers to regulate and maintain a consistent heart rate. Regular medical follow-ups are crucial to monitor the condition and ensure appropriate management.
That form of b. in which there is no sign of an auricular systole between the ventricular contractions; see nodal rhythm.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "nodal bradycardia" comprises two components: "nodal" and "bradycardia".
1. "Nodal" refers to the sinoatrial (SA) node, which is a small cluster of cells located in the right atrium of the heart. The SA node is often referred to as the natural pacemaker of the heart, as it generates electrical signals that initiate each heartbeat. "Nodal" is derived from the Latin word "nodus", meaning "knot, knob, or node". In this context, it refers to the SA node as the point of origin for the electrical signals.
2. "Bradycardia" combines the Greek word "bradys", meaning "slow", and "kardia", meaning "heart". It is a medical term used to describe an abnormally slow heart rate, usually less than 60 beats per minute.