What if heart rate is low

Between 4 and 10 percent of people in the United States have hypothyroidism. Some medications , including medications for heart disease and high blood pressure, may lower heart rate. Beta-blockers , which doctors prescribe for a rapid heart rate and some other heart conditions, may also slow heart rate. Doctors use the term hypoxia when the body cannot get enough oxygen, which may slow down the heart rate. Hypoxia is a medical emergency, and it can occur when a person is choking or having a severe asthma attack.

Chronic medical conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, may also cause hypoxia. A person should speak to a doctor if they notice their heart rate is slow. Adults and children who have a low pulse and experience severe symptoms, such as chest pain or fainting, should also go to the hospital. A doctor may not always need to treat a slow heart rate. However, when a slow heart rate causes serious health problems or when heart disease slows the heart, it is essential that people receive treatment.

An artificial pacemaker, which is an electrical device that a doctor inserts into the heart to promote regular rhythms, can help. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U. It is crucial that a person takes any changes in heart health, blood pressure, or pulse seriously. However, a slow heart rate is not always a reason for concern. In many cases, a slow heart rate is merely a variation of normal.

It may even be a sign of heart health and indicate good levels of fitness. People should see a doctor for guidance and reassurance. Read the article in Spanish. QT prolongation occurs when the heart takes longer to contract and relax than it usually does.

Learn more about the effects of QT prolongation here. Dysrhythmia and arrhythmia are both terms doctors use to describe an abnormal heart rate. Types include bradyarrhythmia or supraventricular arrhythmia. Ventricular tachycardia VT causes the heart to beat at a rate of over beats per minute. VT causes include underlying heart disease.

Learn more. Bradyarrhythmia means a slow heart rate with an arrhythmia. It is not always a cause for concern but may signal a serious underlying condition. Atrial fibrillation creates an irregular heart rhythm through electrical signal malfunctions. Learn more about the causes and symptoms of the…. 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. Your doctor may take your pulse to diagnose bradycardia. Your doctor might also do a physical exam, ask questions about your past 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 are actually having 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. 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.

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:. Get emergency help if you fainted or if you have symptoms of a heart attack or have severe shortness of breath. Call your doctor right away if your heart rate is slower than usual, you feel like you might pass out, or you notice increased shortness of breath.

Most people who get pacemakers lead normal, active lives. You will need to avoid things that have strong magnetic and electrical fields. These can keep your device from working right.

But most electronic equipment and appliances are safe to use. Your doctor will check your pacemaker regularly. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms that could mean your device isn't working right, such as:. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.

Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. Learn more about under-the-skin pacemaker implantation in women. Certain arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation, are major risk factors for stroke. Learn more about this connection, symptoms, and treatments.

Arrhythmia is sometimes inherited. We explain the genetics of inherited cardiac arrhythmia, including causes, diagnosis, treatment, and more. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Bradycardia Slow Heart Rate. Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R. Normal heart rates Emergency symptoms Causes Treatment What is a slow heart rate? Understanding your heart rate by the numbers.

Recognizing a potential emergency situation. Potential underlying causes of bradycardia. Treating the cause of bradycardia. Read this next.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Payal Kohli, M.