* RHYTHM
Lifestyle changes are key for managing any heart condition. Your goals for treatment matter, too. Be sure to tell your provider about your values and what you prefer for treatment.
TIPS FOR TAKING YOUR PULSE It’s a good idea to be able to check how many times your heart beats each minute. 1. Extend one arm with your palm facing up. 2. Use your first and middle fingers on your other hand to press the inside of your wrist near the base of your thumb (just below the palm of your hand).
3. Press lightly until you can feel your pulse. 4. If you have trouble finding it, press a little harder or adjust where you are pressing.
5. Once you can feel your pulse consistently, look at a clock and count the number of pulses you feel in ten seconds. Take that number and multiply it by six. You should ideally rest before taking your pulse.
Protect Your Heart
In many cases, bradycardia can stem from another heart issue or damage to the heart. While there are no specific steps to prevent bradycardia, here are tips to help keep your heart healthy: v Eat a heart-healthy diet. v Get regular exercise.
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v Know your cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, and keep them under control.
v Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. v Limit alcohol intake. v Keep stress levels in check. v Report any changes to your provider.
Talk With Your Healthcare Team Ask your provider about your heart rate, especially if you already have heart disease or are having symptoms. The following questions can help get you started: v What are the symptoms of bradycardia? v What’s causing my slow heart rate? v How will we know if bradycardia is affecting my heart’s ability to pump enough blood to my body?
v Which treatment would you recommend? v What symptoms should I watch for? When and whom should I call?
v Do I need to adjust any of my medications? v I often feel unrested during the day. Should I be concerned about sleep apnea?
v Can bradycardia lead to other heart problems? v How can I protect my heart and prevent further problems?
For more information, visit
CardioSmart.org/Bradycardia.
ISTOCK.COM
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