Low Heart Rate: What Are The Health Concerns Associated With It?
Posted by Dr. Ajay Bahadur | Cardiologist in Lucknow What Is a Low Heart Rate? A low heart rate means your heart beats less than 60 times per minute. Doctors call this bradycardia . But here is the truth — the number alone does not tell the whole story. The real question is: why is it low, and is your body getting enough blood? Is a Low Heart Rate Always Bad? No. It depends on the person. A trained athlete with a heart rate of 45 bpm may be perfectly healthy. Their heart is strong and pumps more blood with each beat. But an elderly person with the same number may be in serious trouble. The key is not the number. The key is how well your heart is doing its job. Common Symptoms to Watch For Many people with a low heart rate feel nothing at all. But some people notice: Tiredness that does not go away Dizziness or lightheadedness Fainting or near-fainting Shortness of breath Confusion, especially in older people Difficulty walking or climbing stairs If you have any of the...