Bradycardia is a condition where the heart rate is slower than normal. A normal human heart rate is 60 to 80 beats per minute. A heart rate below 60 beats per minute is what is referred to as bradycardia. The heart has four chambers through which electrical currents travel. The two top chambers of the heart are known as the atria while the bottom two are known as the ventricles. The electrical signals prompt the heart to beat steadily.
However, there are instances when the heart rate is not normal and this creates an abnormal heartbeat or arrhythmias. Some abnormal heartbeats may be too flutter or too fast but bradycardia is the opposite. This condition causes the electrical signals to slow down the time between heartbeats. Some of the reasons why people have low heart rates include:
- Age: Aging causes your heart muscles to weaken and this is the reason why seniors may have bradycardia, unlike young people.
- Exercise: People who exercise regularly may have a low heart rate compared to people who do not exercise.
- Medication: People who take high blood pressure medication can have a low heart rate due to the medication.
- Sleep problems
A low heart rate also indicates that your heart is not pumping enough blood to all the tissues and organs in your body. Without sufficient blood in your organs and tissues, the following issues arise:
- Dizziness
- It becomes difficult to concentrate
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
Home Remedies for Bradycardia
Apart from medication and a proper diagnosis from a medical practitioner, there are natural remedies available for Bradycardia.
1. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a natural blood regulator and a heart tonic. It also helps remove congestion in the circulatory system as well as stimulate the body. Cayenne pepper is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and other essential minerals like zinc. The nutrients it contains contribute to the positive effects cayenne pepper has on the heart.
More importantly, cayenne pepper also contains a natural chemical responsible for its spicy nature known as capsaicin. Capsaicin has numerous benefits, which help in protecting the heart by controlling blood sugar, lowering blood pressure, help in weight loss, and reduce the risk of muscle thickening around the heart.
2. Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a well-known medicinal herb in western herbalism. It is an excellent natural remedy for Bradycardia since it contains excellent properties that help the cardiovascular system. For example, hawthorn helps increase the flow of blood to the heart and improve the cardiac muscle contractions resulting in stronger pumping action of the heart. This herb also protects the heart from harmful effects that lessened oxygen causes to the cardiovascular system.
3. Flax Seeds
Flax seeds contain soluble and insoluble fiber along with vitamin B6, vitamin B1, protein, copper, manganese, iron, zinc, calcium, and selenium. Each of these nutrients plays a significant role when it comes to improving your health. However, when it comes to the health of your cardiovascular system, these are the most important nutritional elements in flax seeds: mucilage, lignans, and omega-3 fatty acids.
These nutrients help:
- Lower your blood pressure
- Reduce the development of atherosclerosis
- Reduce cholesterol levels and triglyceride
4. Ginger
The stimulant properties that a ginger contains are quite similar to that of a cayenne pepper. It also contains blood-purifying properties and it can also reduce cholesterol levels. Ginger also has natural properties that make it more powerful than aspirin and this helps in preventing blood clots. In addition, ginger also has some additional health benefits like strengthening your immune system, relieving nausea, and preventing loss of appetite. Including ginger in your daily diet will help improve the health of your heart.
5. Stress Reduction
Stress is one of the common causes of heart-related diseases today. Despite our strides and advances in technology, we are still prone to stress due to our fast-paced environment. This ultimately affects our body negatively by suppressing the immune system, slowing our metabolism, stalling digestion, and slowing down cell regeneration. Therefore, ensuring that you reduce stress ensures that your body remains healthy and this results in a healthy heart rate. You can reduce stress by meditating, having excellent sleep patterns, and engaging in physical activity.
6. Garlic
Garlic contains natural properties that enable it to reduce body cholesterol, high blood pressure, and improve coronary heart diseases. It also contains antithrombotic and antiplatelet attributes that help improve circulation. Also, crushing garlic releases a natural compound known as allicin. Allicin gives garlic a stinky smell but it helps blood flow better as well as maintain the flexibility of your arteries.
It is important to remember that though Bradycardia may not be harmful to most people, it is essential to visit a physician once you experience the above symptoms. Also, before using any natural remedy it is important to obtain advice from your physician.
Do you have a natural remedy for Bradycardia? Please let us know!
