Increases the workload of the heart, so long term, chronic can cause significant heart problems (damage to lining of arteries, resulting in atherosclerosis, increased risk of CHD and stoke) Lack of regular exercise, a high salt diet, obesity, chronic stress, family history, gender and race are risk factors.
Bradycardia is the medical term used for a low heart rate. Low pulse rates can be caused by metabolic diseases and damage to the heart structure. An imbalance in electrolytes and some medications can also cause your pulse to drop.
Low Blood Pressure and the Heart. The heart is a muscle that works as a pump and is controlled by electrical signals. Problems with either the pump or the electricity can cause problems with low blood pressure. 1  If the heart beats too quickly, blood pressure may fall because there isn't enough time for the heart to refill in between each beat (diastole).