Low Heart Rate Bradycardia

Heart Rate

Causes of bradycardia or low heart rate

Abnormally low heart rate, or bradycardia, occurs when electrical signals that usually keep the heart beating rhythmically become disrupted.
There are a number of causes of low heart rate:

• aging 
  
• illnesses and conditions that disrupt or damage the heart's electrical system. These diseases might include coronary artery disease, heart attack, endocarditis, sarcoidosis, and myocarditis
  
• illnesses, conditions, or diseases that slow electrical impulses through the heart. For example, hypothyroidism, electrolyte imbalances caused by abnormal potassium levels
  
• certain medications, notably, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antiarrhythmics, and digoxin can trigger a low heart rate.

What symptoms will a low heart rate cause?

The most common symptoms of a low heart rate include

• dizziness and shortness of breath. You may become confused easily or have trouble concentrating.
  
• a low heart rate triggers a drop in blood pressure, which may cause you to faint.
  
• a feeling of fatigue is also common among those who have a low heart rate. Exercise becomes more difficult.
  
• heart palpitations or even some chest pain.

However, some people have no symptoms at all, or their symptoms are so slight they just think it's part of aging.

How too tell if you have a low heart rate

The best way is to check your pulse often. If you notice that your heartbeat is slower than 60 beats per minute, or has a somewhat irregular rhythm, you should seek medical attention.
There are some tests that will tell you if you have a low heart rate. The most important is electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). This is not always reliable however because bradycardia often comes and goes, and you may not have it while you're taking the EKG.

Portable or ambulatory electrocardiogram devices are available which you can wear for extended periods of time. Such a device is called a Holter monitor or cardiac event monitor. These are lightweight and don't interfere with your normal activities.