Could It Be You Too? Danger Signals Sent by a Slow Heart Rate: Self-Check for Bradycardia

In modern medicine, a slow heart rate is called bradycardia, which refers to a resting heart rate that drops below 60 beats per minute in adults. When bradycardia occurs, the heart cannot pump enough blood, reducing blood flow volume to the brain and other vital organs. This can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and lethargy, and in severe cases, it may cause syncope or shortness of breath. Bradycardia stems from diverse causes, most commonly an issue within the heart's electrical conduction system. Common examples include diminished function of the sinoatrial node, the heart's natural pacemaker, or heart block, in which signals fail to pass properly through the atrioventricular node between the atrium and ventricle. This resembles an orchestra conductor losing the tempo, or communication between instruments breaking down. Certain medications can also induce bradycardia. Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers used for hypertension or angina pectoris can slow the heart rate. It may also occur alongside hormonal imbalance, such as hypothyroidism, or marked electrolyte imbalance involving potassium and sodium. Less commonly, bradycardia accompanies conditions like sleep apnea or increased intracranial pressure. Athletes who train intensely often present with a low resting heart rate due to efficient cardiac function, known as athletic bradycardia, which is distinct from disease. For non-athletes experiencing an unexplained drop in heart rate, a thorough medical evaluation is important to identify the cause and begin proper care. Cardiac rhythm should be evaluated accurately using an electrocardiogram or 24-hour Holter monitoring. Left unaddressed, bradycardia can progress to complications like heart failure, so even minor symptoms warrant attention.