Low Heart Rate

Also known as "bradycardia"

What is bradycardia or low heart rate? 

A low heart rate is generally considered to be less than 60 beats per minute while an individual is at rest. In most people, this can be a dangerous condition, although it should be noted that healthy, fit young adults and well-conditioned athletes often have a low heart rate.

The medical term for a low heart rate is bradycardia.

Certain medical factors can cause a condition called inappropriate sinus bradycardia or bradyarrhythmia. This is an abnormally slow heart rate. When someone has bradycardia, their heart rate is so low that the body will not get enough blood to function properly. In these circumstances, bradycardia can be life threatening.

Causes of bradycardia or low heart rate

Abnormally low heart rate, or bradycardia, occurs when electrical signals that usually keep the heart beating rhythmically become disrupted.
There are a number of causes of low heart rate:

• aging
• illnesses and conditions that disrupt or damage the heart's electrical system. These diseases might include coronary artery disease, heart attack, endocarditis, sarcoidosis, and myocarditis
• illnesses, conditions, or diseases that slow electrical impulses through the heart. For example, hypothyroidism, electrolyte imbalances caused by abnormal potassium levels
• certain medications, notably, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antiarrhythmics, and digoxin can trigger a low heart rate.

What symptoms will a low heart rate cause?

The most common symptoms of a low heart rate include

• dizziness and shortness of breath. You may become confused easily or have trouble concentrating.
• a low heart rate triggers a drop in blood pressure, which may cause you to faint.
• a feeling of fatigue is also common among those who have a low heart rate. Exercise becomes more difficult.
• heart palpitations or even some chest pain.

However, some people have no symptoms at all, or their symptoms are so slight they just think it's part of aging.

How is low heart rate treated?

The cause of a low heart rate will usually determine the treatment. Treatment will also depend on symptoms.

Very often, a low heart rate is caused by some other problem with the heart.

A low heart rate is often common in people over 65. These individuals often get an electrical device called a pacemaker, which helps regulate heart rhythm. A pacemaker is placed under skin in the chest near the heart.

If a medical problem such as low thyroid or an electrolyte imbalance is causing a low heart rate, it will be necessary to treat that problem in order to deal with the bradycardia.

If a necessary medication is the cause of the low heart rate, a pacemaker may be necessary.

Coping with a low heart rate

Low heart rates usually result from some other medical condition, so, as noted above, the first step is to treat the condition that's causing the heart to slow down. Very often this simply means living a healthier lifestyle: controlling cholesterol; eating foods that are low in fat and sodium, not smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and of course, getting some exercise.

If you have a pacemaker

Anyone with a pacemaker will need to be careful around strong magnetic or electrical fields.

Keep the following objects about a foot away from your pacemaker. If you use a cell phone, put it up to the ear on the side of your body that's opposite to the pacemaker. Take care when you're around

• arc welders
• battery-powered cordless power tools
• industrial power generators
• magnetic wands used at airports
• magnets
• stereo speakers.
   

Never go near a

• CB or ham radio
• high-voltage power line
• large magnet
• MRI machine
• radio transmitter, even those used in toys.