Why Is My Heart Rate Slower Than Usual?
There are several causes of low heart rate, also known as bradycardia. This condition occurs when the heart beats fewer than 60 times per minute. While it’s normal for
Why Is My Heart Rate Slower Than Usual?
There are several causes of low heart rate, also known as bradycardia. This condition occurs when the heart beats fewer than 60 times per minute. While it’s normal for athletes and healthy individuals to have low resting heart rates, consistently low heart rates may be indicative of an underlying health issue. Here is some information on what can cause a slow heartbeat:
Several medical conditions can lead to a slow heartbeat. These include:
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can slow down metabolic processes, including the heart rate.
- Endocarditis: A bacterial infection that affects the lining of the heart chambers.
- Myocarditis: Inflammation in the myocardium caused by viral or bacterial infections.
- Sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea can lower oxygen levels and put stress on the body’s organs, including the heart.
- Sick sinus syndrome: Damage to the sinoatrial node due to age or other factors can disrupt electrical signals between the atria and ventricles.
Certain medications can also cause bradycardia as a side effect. These may include beta-blockers, digoxin, calcium channel blockers, and opioids.
While less common than medical causes, certain lifestyle habits can contribute to low heartrates:
- Endurance training: Athletes who engage in long-term endurance activities may develop ‘athletic’ bradycardia from their well-trained cardiovascular system.
- Stress: Stressful situations such as childbirth or shock trauma could send messages through your nervous system contributing to slowing your heartbeat
-Smoking cigarettes: Studies have shown that smokers experience lower average pulse rates compared with nonsmokers.
Below are some common questions people have about low heart rate:
Q: How is bradycardia diagnosed?
A: A doctor can diagnose bradycardia with an electrocardiogram which will measure the rhythm and frequency of electrical signals within your heart.
Q: Is a low resting heart rate dangerous?
A: In healthy individuals, a lower resting heart rate is not always dangerous. However, in some conditions like Sick Sinus Syndrome or AV block where atrias could completely lose electrical connectivity to ventricles – sudden cardiac arrest may occur.
Q: Can lifestyle changes al