What Conditions Does an Echocardiogram Test For?
An echocardiogram is one of the most common and useful tests in cardiology. Read more about the different types of echocardiograms and what they can tell us about your heart health.
What Causes a Low Heart Rate and Is It a Cause for Concern?
A low heart rate (bradycardia) can sound alarming, especially if your smartwatch or fitness tracker signals that your beats per minute are lower than expected. But a slow pulse isn’t always dangerous. In fact, it may be completely normal, even preferable in some cases.
At Premier Cardiology Consultants in New York, we provide comprehensive care that prioritizes your long-term heart health. Whether it’s maintaining a healthy blood pressure, ensuring your arteries are clear, or calculating whether your heart is beating at a regular rate and rhythm, we want to help.
Understanding what’s causing a low heart rate and whether you require medical care is one of many ways we work to help protect your cardiovascular health.
What is considered a low heart rate?
For most adults, a normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm), and anything below 60 bpm is technically “bradycardia.”
However, not every heart rate under 60 beats per minute is abnormal. Age, overall fitness level, medical conditions, and medications all influence what “normal” looks like for you.
Common causes of a low heart rate
Reasons for bradycardia include:
High level of physical fitness
One of the most common—and healthiest—causes of a low heart rate is excellent cardiovascular fitness. Athletes and active individuals often have resting heart rates in the 40s or 50s because their hearts pump blood more efficiently.
Thus, if you feel well and are active, your low heart rate may be completely normal.
Medications
Several medications can lower your heart rate, including:
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Antiarrhythmics
- Some sleep aids and sedatives
These drugs slow the heart as part of their intended effect. If your pulse becomes too low or you develop dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath, your cardiologist may adjust your dose or switch your prescription to a different type.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid slows many bodily systems, including the heart. Bradycardia accompanied by weight gain, cold intolerance, or fatigue may be related to thyroid dysfunction.
Electrolyte imbalances
Low levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium can interfere with the heart’s electrical signals and lead to a slow heart rate. Conditions such as dehydration or kidney disease can increase this risk.
Heart conduction problems
More serious causes of bradycardia include issues with the heart’s electrical system, such as:
- Sick sinus syndrome
- Heart block
- Aging of the heart’s electrical pathways
These conditions may cause symptoms like fainting, fatigue, or chest discomfort and often require ongoing treatment by a cardiologist.
When should I see a cardiologist for a low heart rate?
A low heart rate is usually only worrisome when it produces symptoms. However, we recommend an evaluation if bradycardia is a new or unexpected phenomenon for you.
Otherwise, we recommend a cardiac evaluation if you’re experiencing symptoms such as:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual fatigue
- Confusion
If you're unsure whether your heart rate is normal for you, a simple cardiac evaluation can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Ready to learn more?
A low heart rate can be perfectly healthy—or a sign of an underlying issue. If you’re experiencing symptoms or simply want reassurance about your cardiac health, our Premier Cardiology Consultants team is here to help. Schedule a visit today.
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