Skip Navigation Show Condition BasicsWhat is bradycardia?Having bradycardia (say "bray-dee-KAR-dee-uh") means that your heart beats very slowly. For most adults, a heart rate of about 60 to 100 beats a minute while at rest is considered normal. If your heart beats less than 60 times a minute, it is slower than normal. A slow heart rate can be normal and healthy. Or it could be a sign of a problem with the heart's electrical system. For some people, a slow heart rate does not cause any problems. It can be a sign of being very fit. Healthy young adults and athletes often have heart rates of less than 60 beats a minute. In other people, bradycardia is a sign of a problem with the heart's electrical system. It means that the heart's natural pacemaker isn't working right or that the electrical pathways of the heart are disrupted. Sometimes, the heart beats so slowly that it doesn't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This can cause symptoms, such as feeling dizzy or weak. In some cases, it can be life-threatening. What causes it?Bradycardia can be caused by many things. Examples include:
What are the symptoms?A very slow heart rate may cause you to:
Some people don't have symptoms, or their symptoms are so mild that they think they are just part of getting older. You can find out how fast your heart is beating by taking your pulse. If your heartbeat is slow or uneven, talk to your doctor. How is it diagnosed?To diagnose bradycardia, your doctor may take your pulse, do a physical exam, ask questions about your health, and do an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). An EKG measures the electrical signals that control heart rhythm. Bradycardia often comes and goes, so a standard EKG done in the doctor's office may not find it. An EKG can identify bradycardia only if you have it during the test. You may need to wear or carry a device called a portable, or ambulatory, electrocardiogram. Examples include a Holter monitor and a cardiac event monitor. You might use it for a day or more. It records your heart rhythm while you go about your daily routine. You may have blood tests to find out if another problem is causing your slow heart rate. How is bradycardia treated?How bradycardia is treated depends on what is causing it. Treatment also depends on the symptoms. If bradycardia doesn't cause symptoms, it may not be treated. You and your doctor can decide what treatment is right for you.
The goal of treatment is to raise your heart rate and relieve symptoms. For certain types of bradycardia, treatment may help prevent serious problems. These problems include fainting, injuries from fainting, and even death. How can you care for yourself?Bradycardia is often the result of another heart condition, so taking steps to live a heart-healthy lifestyle will usually improve your overall health. The steps include:
CreditsCurrent as of: January 10, 2022 Author: Healthwise Staff The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider. What is a dangerously low heart rate?Bradycardia is a condition where your heart beats fewer than 60 times per minute, which is unusually slow. This condition may be dangerous if it keeps your heart from pumping enough blood to meet your body's needs.
How do you raise a low heart rate?Here are a few ways to get your heart rate up.. Set an incline. If you're on the treadmill increase the incline. ... . Take the stairs. Just like adding an incline, stairs bring a new challenge to your workout.. Alter your pace. ... . Take shorter breaks.. What causes a low heart rate?Causes of bradycardia
Problems with the sinoatrial (SA) node, sometimes called the heart's natural pacemaker. Problems in the conduction pathways of the heart that don't allow electrical impulses to pass properly from the atria to the ventricles. Metabolic problems such as hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone)
How can I raise my heart rate?Examples: Brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, playing tennis and jumping rope. Heart-pumping aerobic exercise is the kind that doctors have in mind when they recommend at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity.
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