Final answer:
Sinus bradycardia involves a resting heart rate of less than 60 bpm and can be normal for athletes or present with symptoms like dizziness or SOB if accompanied by insufficient cardiac output. Treating bradycardia requires identifying its underlying cause, which may include metabolic issues or reactions to medications, and can involve interventions like pacemakers or atropine IV.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Sinus Bradycardia
Sinus bradycardia is a condition where an individual has a resting heart rate (HR) of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). For some individuals, particularly those who are well-conditioned athletes, this may be a normal physiological response. However, bradycardia can also lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, orthostatic hypotension, shortness of breath (SOB), weakness, and confusion if the heart is not pumping enough oxygen-rich blood to the body.
Various factors may decrease HR, including metabolic disorders, thyroid pathologies, electrolyte imbalances, and certain medications like beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and narcotics. Intervention may be necessary if bradycardia leads to significant symptoms or is caused by an underlying medical condition. This could include the use of a pacemaker or administering atropine IV to increase the pulse. Establishing the underlying cause of bradycardia is crucial for appropriate treatment, which may include supplemental oxygen to stabilize the patient.