Wellness  

What Is Bradycardia? AKA Low Heart Rate

By Chinelo Eze

30 August 2022   |   1:37 pm

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Every waking hour of the day, your heart normally beats between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). It may fall between 40 and 60 beats below that when you are sleeping. Your heart rate during rest may average much below 60 beats if you're a serious athlete. A heart rate under 60 beats per…

Every waking hour of the day, your heart normally beats between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). It may fall between 40 and 60 beats below that when you are sleeping. Your heart rate during rest may average much below 60 beats if you’re a serious athlete. A heart rate under 60 beats per minute, though, may be cause for alarm if you’re sedentary or older than 65.

Based on the American Heart Association, bradycardia occurs when the average heart rate falls below 60. You might feel low on energy and endurance if you have bradycardia. As well as feeling weak, bewildered, and dizzy. According to Cleveland Clinic, you might feel heart palpitations or chest pain. Visit a doctor if you encounter these symptoms so they can check your heart’s function and determine what might be the source of your problems. Bradycardia can cause congestive heart failure or a lack of oxygen to the brain if it is not managed.

What could possibly be the cause and how can it be avoided? When the sinus node, the heart’s primary pacemaker, malfunctions, bradycardia is most frequently the result. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, bradycardia can occasionally be brought on by ineffective communication between the heart’s chambers. A response from your vagus nerve, an increase in intracranial pressure, certain medicines, and sleep apnea are among the factors that might cause your heart rate to drop to hazardous levels. Those over 65 and those with high blood pressure may both have bradycardia per Mayo Clinic. If you smoke, drink heavily, or use illicit substances, you may be more prone to having a low heart rate. Bradycardia can also result from stress and anxiety.

A low heart rate can also be a symptom of hypothyroidism, cardiac illness, a family history of attacks, an electrolyte imbalance, or heart disease via Cleveland Clinic.

To maintain heart health, the Mayo Clinic advises regular exercise and a diet high in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains that are low in fat, sugar, and sodium. Maintaining a healthy weight and regularly checking your blood pressure and cholesterol are also recommended. If you do drink, keep your daily intake to one drink for women and two for men. Find a quitting programme if you smoke to enable you to keep your heart healthy.