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The human heart relies on electrical signals to maintain a steady rhythm. Its electrical conduction system and pacemaker cells play a crucial role. The resting heart rate in adults is between 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). A heart rate lower than 60 bpm is termed a low heart rate. This article will discuss low heart rates, causes, diagnoses, and treatment options at the best cardiology hospital in Bangalore.
What Is Low Heart Rate?
A low heart rate or low pulse rate refers to a heart rate below 60 bpm. It is also termed as bradycardia. This value may vary slightly depending on factors like age. Low heart rate can be physiological (without any disease), or pathological, i.e., with disease or as a component of a disease.
Physiological Low Heart Rate
A physiological low heart rate is commonly observed in athletes wherein the vagal or the nervous system tone becomes higher and results in a low heart rate. The heart muscles of athletes become stronger and can pump more blood during each beat. It is an adaptive response to the heart and the body so that there can be an increased output from the heart. This is normal, healthy, and does not need any medical intervention.
Pathological Low Heart Rate
The pathological low heart rate is either associated with a disease involving the heart's electrical systems or is part of a systemic disease. Here, the heart's pacemaker cells in the upper chamber are either slow or affected by external factors such as drugs, toxins, or certain diseases. In AV blockage, the electric signal that controls the heart is partially or completely blocked. This can also cause a slow heart rate or heart palpitation (skipping a beat). In this case, the upper and lower chambers of the heart beat at different rates.
Causes & Symptoms of Low Heart Rate
Low Heart Rate Causes
Pathological low heart rate is seen in early childhood as a result of conduction system disorder or structural heart disease, such as aortic valve stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, holes in the heart – atrial septal defect (ASD), mitral valve regurgitation, etc.
In middle age, the cause can be ischemia loss of supply of blood, or electrical system disorder. In elderly people, age can be the key reason for low heart rate. These patients may also have tachy-brady syndrome, where the patient has periods of both low and fast heart rate. In pathological low heart, there may or may not be any symptoms.
Low Heart Rate Symptoms:
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Giddiness
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Syncope or loss of consciousness
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Fatigue
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Palpitation
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Increased awareness of the beat
Other symptoms of a low heart rate include chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, etc. Visit a cardiologist in Millers Road, if you’re experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
How Is Low Heart Rate Diagnosed?
Low heart rate disorder can be diagnosed with a pulse rate check and ECG test. However, an ECG may not be able to detect bradycardia unless a slow heartbeat occurs at the time of the test. Thus, a cardiologist may recommend using a portable ECG device. In many cases, 24-hour or weekly monitoring using devices such as external loop recorders or Holter monitoring is used to determine if the low heart rate is intermittent or constant.
What Is the Treatment for Low Heart Rate?
The treatment for low heart rate depends on its causes. If a low heart rate is confirmed which is significant and causes symptoms, treatment involves getting rid of the external factors that are causing low heart rates. If the disorder is the result of a systemic disease, then the approach of the best cardiologist in Bangalore would be to treat the disease first to help automatically normalise the heart rate. Occasionally, some patients may need a pacemaker to improve their heart rate. Remember - a low heart is not always concerning unless there are associated symptoms.
FAQs
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Does everyone with Bradycardia have to be Treated?
No, not everyone with a low heart rate needs treatment. Some people, especially athletes or physically active persons, have low heart rates, and this is healthy. These people do not have to be treated.
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How is Low Heart rate Treated?
There are various reasons for low pulse rates, including existing heart conditions, medicines, or electrolyte imbalances. The treatment for low heart rate depends on the causes of bradycardia; sometimes, a pacemaker may be used to increase the heart rate.
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When should I see a doctor?
If you think your low heart rate is associated with any of the symptoms such as loss of consciousness, fatigue, giddiness, palpitation, etc., you must call or see your doctor for further assistance.
