A low heart rate can be dangerous. Why does the heart beat slower?

A normal resting pulse should usually be between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Resting heart rate is a very important parameter thanks to which we can independently control our health. By using popular wristbands or smartwatches, we can see the strength of our heart beats on an ongoing basis. It turns out that a low heart rate can be as dangerous as a very high heart rate.

What should a normal pulse be?

The normal resting heart rate in a healthy person should be: within the range of 60 to 70 beats per minute. There are some exceptions to this rule, i.e. in seniors the heart slows down and in children it beats faster. A characteristic feature of competitive athletes is that they may have a very low pulse – their heart may beat only 50 times per minute.

Pulse norms for individual age groups are as follows:

• infants – 130 beats per minute,

• children – 100 beats per minute,

• youth – 85 beats per minute,

• adults – 70 beats per minute,

• seniors – 60 beats per minute.

Low pulse – what does it mean?

Due to the fact that more and more people have hypertension, which is also associated with an accelerated heart rate, we often ignore low pulse values. This is a mistake! A reduction in heart rate (up to approximately 40 beats per minute) may indicate, for example:

• congestion,

• bradycardia,

• myocarditis,

• aortic isthmus stenosis,

• heart failure

• arrhythmia,

• ischemic disease.

Other possible causes include hormonal disorders or hypothyroidism. It also happens that low heart rate is the result of taking certain medications (e.g. beta-blockers). It also happens that a low pulse is an individual feature and the patient has no influence on it.

Is a low heart rate dangerous?

If, despite a low heart rate, the patient does not experience any other symptoms, then there is no reason to worry. However, if the following symptoms appear, the patient should consult a specialist.

A person who has a low pulse may experience the following symptoms:

• tiredness

• weakness,

• dizziness,

• dark circles before the eyes,

• loss of concentration,

• shortness of breath,

• pain in the chest,

• anxiety,

• swoon.

In life-threatening situations (when a patient with a low heart rate has difficulty breathing or complains of persistent chest pain), an ambulance should be called immediately.

How to raise a low heart rate at home?

• If a patient with a low pulse does not have any disturbing symptoms, he or she can try to raise the heart rate with home remedies. For this purpose, it is worth drinking a drink with caffeine or theine, going for a walk or engaging in other physical activity, preferably outdoors.