BRADYCARDIA

Definition: A heart normally beats at 60-100 beats per minute. An average male at 70/min.Therefore bradycardia is defined as a condition when an individual has a heart beat of less than 60 beats per minute. However, a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute is considered normal during sleep as well as being considered normal for a well trained athlete. Bradycardia is considered a problem usually once signs such as *fainting and shortness of breath appear.

Extra info: The adult heart (at rest) beats at about 60 to 80 beats per minute. Fifty-five to 60 beats per minute would be considered bradycardia for an adult. Infants, however, have a much higher at rest heart rate (110 to l30 beats per minute), thus; bradycardia in infants would be a rate below 100 beats per minute. Bradycardia can also occur secondary to certain illnesses (such as decreased thyroid function, certain gastrointestinal disorders, and jaundice), or the abuse of certain drugs. People with known heart disease (including hypertension) who are being treated with medications that slow the heart (such as beta-blockers and certain calcium channel blockers) can experience bradycardia. It may be a temporary consequence of certain types of heart attack). Bradycardia is common in elderly people (whether or not they suffer from arteriosclerosis) and infants with certain types of congenital heart disease.

Signs and symptoms:
The point to note is that with bradycardia, the arising symptoms are associated largely with the fact that there is a lack/decrease in the supply of blood to the various organs and tissue of the body. E.g.-
§ Near-fainting or fainting (syncope)
§ Dizziness
§ Weakness
§ Fatigue
§ Shortness of breath
§ Chest pains
§ Disturbed sleep
§ Confusion
§ Heart palpitations
When symptoms occur, they are usually fatigue, shortness of breath, light-headedness or fainting.

Conclusion:
With regards to Hans in the PCL:
1) the major risk factor that needs to be considered is his older age,
2)*this symptom of bradycardia ties in with the PCL as well,
3) the fact that the doctor notes a steady but slow pulse in Hans, all point in the direction that Hans may well be diagnosed with bradycardia!

Further testing to determine the cause may involve blood tests, an EKG or a heart monitor.
Reference:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bradycardia
http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/201/main.html