Final answer:
Bradycardia symptoms of syncope, decreased consciousness, and hypotension indicate inadequate blood circulation. Relative bradycardia occurs when symptoms are present despite a normal heart rate. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, potentially requiring a pacemaker or oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
Signs and symptoms of bradycardia may include syncope or near syncope, decreased level of consciousness, and hypotension. These symptoms suggest that the heart is not pumping sufficient oxygenated blood to the body's tissues and could potentially lead to serious health issues. It is important to note that most patients with a heart rate (HR) above 50 beats per minute (bpm) remain asymptomatic. However, when a patient's HR is within the normal range but still exhibits symptoms, this condition can be termed relative bradycardia. Bradycardia can stem from inherent abnormalities in the sinoatrial (SA) or atrioventricular (AV) nodes, ischemia to the heart muscle or diseases, metabolic disorders, or can be influenced by drugs such as beta blockers, or even prolonged bed rest. Identifying and treating the underlying cause of bradycardia is crucial for patient care, which may include the use of a pacemaker or supplemental oxygen if necessary.