An extensive network of flexible tubes that carries blood to and from the heart and throughout the body. The blood vessels are the transportation system of the body. The blood vessels include arteries, capillaries, and veins. A condition in which the heart beats at less than 60 beats per minute. This heart rate may be too slow or irregular to meet the body's demands.
Symptomatic bradycardia is the most common medical condition requiring a pacemaker.
Symptoms of bradycardia may include dizziness, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, or fainting spells. Bradycardia is most commonly caused by sick sinus syndrome or heart block. Bradycardia may also result after an ICD delivers a defibrillation shock. If this occurs, a Medtronic ICD can deliver bradycardia pacing therapy until the heart begins to beat normally on its own again.