1. Sinus bradycardia- In this AV node impedes the functioning of electrical impulse i.e. pumping blood. Because of this, the heart rate decreases to 45 beats per minute. In this situation electrical signals pass through the upper part of the heart. But due to the damage done to AV node, there is no beating in the lower part of the heart. Because of this, the speed of the beat gets interrupted.

2. AV node disease – If your AV node is not working at all but the upper chamber or upper chest has a normal heart rate, that is, your heart beats 80 times every minute. While in the lower chamber your heart beats 40 times a minute. So this means that your overall heart rate is low. Similarly, if there is any damage to the AV node, then your heart rate decreases despite being able to beat the muscles of the lower chamber.

3. Complete heart block – In this condition there can be any problem ranging from damage to heart muscle to blockage in the arteries due to coronary problems or heart attack. In some cases, the lower chamber of the heart is not able to beat properly due to a problem in AV node. This can also result in complete heart block, which can be dangerous.

4. Hypothyroidism – Decreased levels of thyroid cause bradycardia whereas increased levels of thyroid leads to tachycardia (increase in Heart Beat). It makes the lower chamber beats 40 – 50 times per minute due to the pressure of thyroid hormones on the cyanus node. The treatment of bradycardia in this condition depends on the method of treatment for hypothyroidism.

5. Any Heart disorder present at birth (congenital heart defect) can also cause bradycardia.

6. Medications, including some drugs for other heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure and psychosis can also reduce the heart rate.

Dr. Dinesh Sehgal, Interventional cardiologist, Sapra multispeciality Hospital explain some signs and reasons that give you an alarm why you should visit the heart physician for maintaining a healthy heart:

1. High Cholesterol level: When the total value of Cholesterol (HDL and LDL) becomes high, your risk for heart disease increases. Always keep a check on cholesterol level with the guidance of your doctor.

2. High Blood Pressure: If you are suffering from high blood pressure and it constantly remains high, then you are at high risk of having heart disease.

3. If you are or were a smoker, you have an increased rate of heart disease. Cigarette smoking is injurious not only for lungs but it also damages the lining of arteries wall and causes blockages.

4. Genetics play an important role in determining the rate of Heart disease. If your parents or forefathers were having heart issues, then it is likely that you also can face Heart diseases.

5. Diabetic patients whose blood sugar level remains high are more susceptible to suffer from High BP, High Cholesterol and Obesity.

6. Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a condition in which an expectant mother develops high blood pressure. The condition has been linked to a fourfold increase in the risk of heart failure, making pregnancy the most dangerous time for a woman’s heart outside of the post-menopausal years.

7. Tooth and Gum Disease: Patients with swollen gums often have heart disease.

8. Last but not least, when your family doctor or Physician recommends you to see a cardiologist, you must pay attention to their words and visit the specialized physician as soon as possible.