Postinfectious bradycardia is a medical condition characterized by a slow heart rate after an infection. The phonetic transcription of this word is /ˌpoʊst ɪn.fɛk.ʃəs bræd.iˈkɑr.di.ə/. As per the International Phonetic Alphabet, "post" is pronounced as "pəʊst," "infectious" is pronounced as "ɪnˈfɛkʃəs," "bradycardia" is pronounced as "bræd.iˈkɑr.di.ə". This condition requires prompt medical intervention as it may lead to serious health complications. Therefore, people should be aware of its correct spelling and pronunciation to describe the condition correctly while communicating with healthcare professionals.
Postinfectious bradycardia refers to a medical condition characterized by an abnormally slow heart rate that occurs as a complication following an infection. Bradycardia refers to a heart rate that is lower than the normal range, typically below 60 beats per minute.
Postinfectious bradycardia occurs when the heart's electrical system is affected as a result of inflammation or damage caused by an infection. It is believed to arise due to an autoimmune response triggered by the infection. The specific mechanism by which this autoimmune response occurs is not fully understood.
Common causes of postinfectious bradycardia include viral infections such as myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of the heart). Bacterial infections like Lyme disease can also lead to this condition.
Symptoms of postinfectious bradycardia may include fatigue, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort. In severe cases, bradycardia can result in inadequate blood flow to vital organs and may require immediate medical attention.
Treatment options for postinfectious bradycardia depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. In some cases, the bradycardia may resolve on its own as the inflammation subsides. However, intervention may be necessary if symptoms persist or worsen. Treatment options can range from medications to regulate the heart rate, such as beta-blockers or pacemaker insertion to help regulate the heart's electrical activity.
It is important for individuals experiencing symptoms of bradycardia following an infection to seek medical evaluation and appropriate management to prevent potential complications.
A toxic b. occurring during convalescence from various infectious diseases, such as rheumatism, influenza, etc.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "postinfectious bradycardia" can be broken down into two parts: "postinfectious" and "bradycardia".
1. "Postinfectious": The prefix "post-" in medical terminology usually means "after" or "following". "Infectious" is derived from the Latin word "infectio" meaning "a disease", which comes from the verb "inficere" meaning "to stain or infect". Therefore, "postinfectious" refers to a condition or event that occurs after an infection.
2. "Bradycardia": "Bradycardia" is a medical term derived from the Greek words "bradys" meaning "slow" and "kardia" meaning "heart". It refers to a condition where the heart beats slower than the normal rate.