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Your heart rate, or pulse, tells you how fast or slow your heart is beating. A slow heart rate can be normal, but it could be a sign of a problem. This page explains the difference between a normal slow heart rate and an abnormal one, and what to do. Show
What is bradycardia?Bradycardia is a slower than normal heart rate. A normal adult resting heart rate is between 60–100 beats per minute (bpm). If you have bradycardia, your heart beats fewer than 60 times a minute. People who are physically very fit can have a heart rate as low as 40 bpm. But in people who aren’t physically very fit, bradycardia is often a sign of problems with the heart. What are the symptoms of bradycardia?A person with a slow heart rate might not be aware of it, but symptoms can include:
If you have any of these symptoms and you have a slow heart rate, you should see a doctor or go to your nearest emergency department. What causes bradycardia?Bradycardia can be due to extreme fitness. But it is often related to other causes, such as:
When should I see my doctor?If you have a heart rate under 60, and you’re aren’t exceptionally fit, it’s important to see your doctor. It might help to make a note of the times you notice your heart is slow, and how you’re feeling at the time. FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — healthdirect's Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services. ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use healthdirect's Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist. How is bradycardia diagnosed?When you see your doctor, they will measure your heart rate. Your heart rate might have returned to normal, so it’s a good idea to keep a record of when you experience bradycardia or related symptoms. Your doctor will also need to work out the cause of your bradycardia. They will ask about your symptoms and your medical and family health history, and will examine you. Tests, such as an electrocardiogram, or ECG, might be done to check your heart. Depending on what is found, you might need further tests such as a stress test. How is bradycardia treated?Treatment will depend on the cause of your bradycardia. For example if you have hypothyroidism, treating it might bring your heart rate up to normal. People who have a slow heart rate because they are physically fit won’t need any treatment. Some people might need medication, a pacemaker or some other form of treatment for the heart. Can bradycardia be prevented?Bradycardia can’t always be prevented. You may help prevent bradycardia by lowering your risk of heart disease. This includes:
Most people have experienced a racing or fast heart rate, possibly due to adrenaline, anxiety, or physical activity. But have you thought about a slow heart rate? Should you be concerned if your resting heart rate is below the normal level?  Slow Isn’t Always BadA slow resting heart rate is known as bradycardia, which occurs at 60 beats per minute (bpm) or less, even when active. In contrast, a normal resting heart rate will fall in a range between 60 – 100 bpm. A slow heartbeat isn't always a concern, though. A resting heart rate between 40 and 60 beats a minute during sleep is common for many people during sleep. It’s also common for trained athletes, healthy young adults, and those who work out regularly to have a low heart rate while exercising – this low heart rate associated with fitness is health and normal. Also, older adults frequently have slower heart rates as their normal rhythms tend to slow down over time. Yet, there are times when a slow heart rate can indicate an underlying health condition. If you have a slow resting heart rate along with the following symptoms it can be cause for concern:
Fortunately, bradycardia usually isn’t an emergency and typically gives doctors some time to choose the right treatment. Causes of Low Heart Rate ProblemsThe most common cause of a low heart rate is a malfunction in the heart’s sinus node, its natural pacemaker. This area sends our electrical signals telling the top and bottom heart chambers the timing of when to pump blood through the body. Other causes of low heart rate include an atrioventricular block, age, and certain conditions such as inflammation of the heart muscle, low thyroid function, electrolyte imbalance, obstructive sleep apnea, or heart attack due to coronary artery disease. Is Treatment Required?A low resting heart rate without symptoms isn’t usually a cause of concern, but it’s good to know what problems might occur if this does become a problem. A low resting heart rate in the 30s, for example, means the required oxygen isn’t getting to the brain. This can make shortness of breath, fainting, and lightheadedness a possibility. For those with symptoms, visit your physician to explore the situation more in-depth. Sometimes an EKG is used to measure the electrical signals in your heart. If needed, a pacemaker can be implanted to speed up your heart rate. How to Reduce Your Risk of Developing Heart DiseaseEven though bradycardia may not be prevented, you can reduce your risk of heart disease through regular exercise, eating heathy foods, keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in check, managing stress, and monitoring and treating existing heart disease. I cannot overemphasize the importance of having regular physical exams and notifying your doctor of symptoms you are experiencing. This may be the only way to catch a problem that usually does not have symptoms early on. |
Is 48 a low resting heart rate
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