Slow Heart Rate
The vagus nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system. This means that when the vagus nerve is functioning properly, it helps to keep the heart rate low and stimulate vital bodily processes like digestion. However, these functions can be disrupted when damage to the vagus nerve.
One of the most common symptoms of vagus nerve damage is bradycardia or low heart rate. Normally, the heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. However, the heart rate falls below 60 beats per minute for individuals with bradycardia. While this may not seem like a big deal, it can be quite dangerous, particularly if an individual already has a heart condition or is pregnant.
In some cases, the decrease in heart rate can be significant enough to cause symptoms like dizziness or lightheadedness. In severe cases, bradycardia can lead to cardiac arrest or even death.
If bradycardia is caused by vagus nerve damage, treatment may be necessary to improve the symptoms and prevent complications from developing. Treatment options for bradycardia may include prescription drugs, including beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers.
