For most people, a heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute is considered normal. However, some individuals have a heart rate under 60 beats per minute, which is a condition known as bradycardia.
A reduced heart rate is not always a bad thing. In fact, people who exercise on a frequent basis can have bradycardia because their hearts work more efficiently. In other instances, bradycardia can cause major symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath, in which case prompt treatment is necessary.
Certain medications can cause a person’s heart rate to decrease, in which case doctors will adjust the dosage. Medical conditions can also contribute to bradycardia, including:
Doctors can address the effects of bradycardia by treating its underlying cause. For example, your doctor may prescribe medications like beta blockers and ACE inhibitors if the decreased heart rate is caused by inflamed heart tissue (a condition known as myocarditis).
When bradycardia is associated with acute symptoms, patients usually need an intravenous infusion of medication. Most people receive a drug called atropine, which increases the heart rate. Other drugs, such as dopamine and epinephrine, can also be used.
Heart tissue damage is linked to an increased chance of developing bradycardia, so you can reduce your risk by avoiding behaviours that damage heart health. This includes:
With prompt treatment and healthy lifestyle changes, bradycardia typically has a great outlook with limited effects on one’s long-term health.