Slow pulse

A slow pulse or low pulse is also known as Bradycardia or slow heartbeat designated. A slow pulse applies if the pulse rate is below 60 beats per minute in a normal resting state. A slow pulse should not be confused with low blood pressure.

What is bradycardia?

A heartbeat that is too slow is called bradycardia. Generally, heart rates of less than 60 beats per minute are considered to be low bradycardia.

A heartbeat that is too slow is called bradycardia. What too slow means depends on the individual circumstances of the individual.

Competitive athletes sometimes have such a low resting frequency that it would be considered pathological for non-athletes. Generally, heart rates of less than 60 beats per minute are considered to be low bradycardia. If the heart rate drops below 40 beats per minute, it is considered to be severely bradycardic.

Bradycardia of less than 30 beats per minute is an indication for pacemaker therapy, as there is a high risk of unconsciousness.If bradycardia and tachycardia phases alternate, we are talking about bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome.

causes

First of all, the cause of a slow or low pulse does not necessarily have to be of a pathological nature. In athletes, regular endurance training means that the resting heart rate is generally lower and the heart beats more slowly. Likewise, the pulse (heart rate) is more likely to be slower in men than in women.

In healthy people, the heartbeat is controlled by the sinus node, the body's own pacemaker. The speed of the heartbeat or pulse depends on the physical strain.

Normally the heart rate does not drop below 50 heartbeats per minute, exceptions can be found in trained endurance athletes. You can have a heart rate of 30 beats per minute while you sleep, which can be completely normal. There is then a bradycardia controlled by the sinus node (sinus bradycardia).

Pathological causes for a low pulse or heartbeat can be disorders of the sinus bradycardia (excitation formation) or AV block (excitation conduction). These symptoms are then closely related to so-called cardiac arrhythmias. Medication can also be responsible for a slow pulse.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines for low blood pressure and circulatory problems

Diseases with this symptom

• AV block
• Heart attack

• Circulatory disorders
• Arterial Disease

• Hypothyroidism
• Potassium deficiency

Diagnosis & course

In the case of bradycardia, the doctor will first inquire about the exact symptoms and about the use of medication. The physical examination includes a pulse measurement and listening to the heartbeat (auscultation).

Any metabolic diseases can be detected through laboratory tests. The most important diagnostic methods are the ECG and an exercise test, which can be used to analyze the heart rate and heart rhythm during rest and exercise as well as during the day.

Other examination methods are ultrasound examinations (echocardiography), cardiac catheter examinations (with X-rays and contrast media) and cardio magnetic resonance imaging, in which the heart is recorded in layers using the magnetic resonance procedure. Bradycardia (e.g. not necessarily pathological in athletes) can develop very differently due to a wide variety of possible causes.

Complications

A slow pulse is when the normal heart rate is below 60 beats per minute. In medicine, such a case is called bradycardia. Bradycardia can be a sign of an underactive thyroid, yellow fever, or arterial disease. Especially for the elderly, a slow heart rate can be a real danger.

A slow pulse can also cause severe dizziness or poor circulation. Anyone who permanently suffers from a slow pulse should urgently consult a doctor. Under certain circumstances, a very slow pulse can also lead to fainting spells. So if you often have a fairly strong feeling of dizziness combined with a slow pulse, you should contact a specialist directly.

In the worst case, a slow pulse can even lead to death. When explicit arteries and veins become compressed, blood circulation can no longer flow properly. The pulse slows down more and more, so that the heart can no longer do its job. This process continues until cardiac arrest. This complication can be treated relatively well with appropriate medication. As a general rule: Anyone who suffers from a slow pulse should have this monitored at regular intervals by a doctor.

When should you go to the doctor?

A slow pulse is usually not a problem. A visit to a doctor is recommended if the low blood pressure causes symptoms. If dizziness, exhaustion and headaches occur, a doctor must clarify the causes. Other warning signs of a serious underlying condition are visual disturbances (turning black in front of the eyes), impaired consciousness and ringing in the ears, as well as cold hands and feet. As soon as the slow pulse impairs well-being or leads to restrictions in everyday life, a medical evaluation is necessary.

A sudden drop in blood pressure should be clarified in the emergency room. Regular pulse fluctuations and a slow pulse after taking medication or an accident should also be medically examined to avoid complications. Fainting or unconsciousness as a result of a slow pulse requires emergency medical treatment. In addition, first aid measures should be carried out until the emergency services have arrived.

In children, the elderly, pregnant women and other risk groups, deviations from the normal heart rate should generally be examined. Patients with a pre-existing cardiovascular system should first observe the symptoms and, if necessary, discuss them with the attending physician.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

There is no need for low heart rate treatment in athletes. If the cause of the slow pulse is pathological, it can lead to poor resilience, unconsciousness or even cardiac arrest. Therefore, a doctor should always be consulted with these symptoms.

The doctor will perform precise heart examinations using an EKG and a long-term EKG. The heart rate can also be determined using ultrasound (Doppler sonography). The classic method of listening to the heart (auscultation) is also an important diagnostic tool.

If the cause of the slower pulse is not medication, but a sick heart, the implantation of a pacemaker may be necessary. Medicines for treatment are used only in an emergency. These include parasympatholytics (atropine) or sympathomimetics (adrenaline). Likewise, chest compressions may be necessary in the event of a very slow pulse or even cardiac arrest.

Outlook & forecast

A slow heart rate doesn't necessarily have to create a problem or medical complication. A slow resting heart rate is a common symptom, especially in athletes. In many cases, however, a slow pulse indicates an illness. Above all, this includes the underactive thyroid or yellow fever.

The slow pulse can be a problem, especially in the elderly. Often the patient feels uncomfortable with a slow pulse and complains of dizziness and headaches. If the slow heart rate persists and is not treated, it can lead to fainting. If this occurs, it is important to see a doctor for the symptom. If left untreated, the problem can, in the worst case scenario, lead to death if cardiac arrest occurs.

Treatment is usually medication, and surgical interventions are rarely performed. However, treatment usually cannot address the cause of the slow heart rate. However, it can limit symptoms and thus alleviate possible complications. As a rule, the affected people feel weak and cannot do strenuous physical work.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines for low blood pressure and circulatory problems

Home remedies & herbs for a low pulse

• Eat lots of hazelnuts and garlic if you have low blood pressure and a slow pulse.

You can do that yourself

A slow pulse does not always require medical clarification. However, if there is a pathological cause, the low blood pressure should first be clarified by a specialist. In addition, various measures and home remedies can counteract a slow pulse.

If the low blood pressure is simply due to an undersupply of certain nutrients or minerals, the deficiency can be quickly compensated for by consuming suitable foods. Those affected should also ensure a balanced diet and split meals into several units to prevent a drop in blood pressure after eating. Acute acts against a drop in blood pressure. Drink water. If you are prone to a slow pulse, you should avoid alcohol, caffeine and other stimulants so that your blood pressure remains stable and reaches a healthy level. Those affected should also drink enough and avoid sitting still for long periods of time or standing up suddenly.

Compression stockings, exercise or foods that increase blood pressure can also help. Food rich in carbohydrates should be avoided if possible. Chronically low blood pressure, such as can occur as a result of stress or a long illness, can be treated with the help of yoga and similar relaxation methods.