Prevention

Bradycardia can be caused by certain medications, particularly if they are taken at high doses, so it's important to take all medications as directed. Although bradycardia is not typically preventable, health care providers recommend strategies to reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Take the following heart-healthy steps:

• Get regular exercise. Your health care provider may give you recommendations about how much and what type of exercise is best for you.
• Eat a healthy diet. Choose a healthy, low-fat, low-salt, low-sugar diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases the risk of developing heart disease.
• Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control. Make lifestyle changes and take medications as prescribed to manage high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.
• Don't smoke. If you need help quitting, talk to your health care provider about strategies or programs to help.
• If you drink, do so in moderation. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men. If you can't control your alcohol use, talk to a health care provider about a program to quit drinking and manage other behaviors related to alcohol abuse.
• Manage stress. Intense emotions may affect heart rate. Some ways to relieve stress are getting regular exercise, joining a support group and trying relaxation techniques, such as yoga.
• Go to scheduled checkups. Have regular physical exams and report signs or symptoms to your health care provider.

Monitor and treat existing heart disease

If you already have heart disease, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of developing bradycardia or another heart rhythm disorder:

• Follow the plan. Be sure you understand your treatment plan. Take all medications as prescribed.
• Report changes immediately. If your symptoms change or worsen or you develop new symptoms, tell your health care provider immediately.