Slow Pulse | Bradycardia - How Low is Too Low for our Heart Rate?

Welcome to our latest video focusing on bradycardia, defined as a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). We will explore the topic of a slow heart rate and discuss the various conditions that can affect our heart rate. Our primary objective is to delve into the causes and symptoms of bradycardia. Additionally, we will emphasize the causes and classification, specifically by examining the different types of 'heart block' and comprehending their implications.

It's important to note that having a slow heart rate is not necessarily indicative of a problem. It is quite common to experience a pulse rate below 60 beats per minute during periods of rest, sleep, among younger individuals, and those who engage in regular physical activity. However, when symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint, or actual fainting (blackout or syncope) manifest, a slow pulse may signify issues with the proper functioning of the conduction system, also known as the electrical wiring of the heart. In such cases, further assessment involving additional tests is required to determine the underlying causes.

In certain instances, the management of these conditions may involve the implantation of a pacemaker, a device designed to regulate and optimize the heart's electrical activity. By closely examining bradycardia and its associated complexities, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of this condition and the potential interventions available for those affected. It is reassuring to note that in many cases where we identify a slow pulse, nothing particular needs to be done apart from reassuring those individuals but as we always suggest, please always have any concerns assessed by your local health care professional.

[robertfitzpatrick]

When I was 56 my heart started slowing to the point I was getting lightheaded. I was admitted to hospital where I underwent seven days of testing. No problems were found with my heart or arteries except the slow rate. At one point while resting it hit 22 bpm. My usual resting heart rate has always been around 50 bpm. I was told I needed a pacemaker. I refused that option as they could not find any issue with the electrical system in my heart apart from it slowing down. They ran more tests, on one CT scan for my aorta they found a tumour in my bladder. As it turned out I had bladder cancer. Luckily it was at stage 1. I was booked for an operation to remove the tumour. After the tumour was removed my heart rate went back to my normal. Slow by average but no longer dropping to extreme levels. The doctors couldn’t explain the connection between my slow heart rate episode and the cancer. In this case the slow heart rate probably saved my life, the cancer was caught before any symptoms appeared thanks to the testing for my heart. I have been cancer free for ten years now and my heart is just fine. Thank you for your very informative video on bradycardia.

[ΘεοδοσηςΧαραλαμπος]

If you feel fine then a low heartbeat rate simply means a high flow capacity at each beat that satisfies the body's requirements. So nothing to worry about, be thankful!

[StillAliveAndKicking_]

I am 60 with a resting heart rate of about 35 BPM. I skate and play ice hockey and before that ran 10 km cross country several times a week for decades. Apparently my heart is fine according to my doctor. I wore a heart monitor for 24 hours to check. I am just fit.

[Bookhermit]

My normal relaxed heart rate is about 50. My dad's tends to be the same or slightly lower. When he went in for knee replacement, they had to turn off the heart rate alarm, because his sedated rate was lower than the machine's lowest alarm setting. He's perfectly healthy now, at 81, and is playing soccer on his replaced knees.

[LanceWinslow]

58 year old - athletic type - trail runner. I sleep at 40-44 on an average night. Run my heart rate up to 185 on occasion running up hills on a trail run. So, there is a huge variation amongst humans. Superstar athletes can have super low HR for sleeping - Tour de France riders often as low as 28-35, which is incredible.

[MsVivian]

Very helpful video! I was always wondering how all this worked and you have taken time to walk us through it all. Much appreciated. Thankyou!

[poodles]

Thanks for another excellent video. After my cardioversion last year I have a RHR of 36-40 overnight and around 43 daytime but it goes up and day as I move about and I have no symptoms. Your information made me feel at ease, thanks again

[misterbaleize]

Very reassuring - the Garmin that I wear during the night "tells me" that my resting heart rate is 42/43 beats per minute. I have none of the symptoms that you describe and so, like I say, reassuring - thank you.

[roadrunner]

My resting HR is around 44. I've woken up and measured as low as 39, but that's very rare. I have always had a problem with brown outs on standing up, but I've been able to vastly improve that by taking vitamin D regularly (1000IU).

[carmenchaux]

Thank dr Leif Goodwin ! Great content needed for the patients and relatives to deal with heart problems. .

[joeordinary]

I trained for marathons a bit younger, and when implemented hard interwall training, the resting hart rate went down. The stroke increase with hard training. It was easily under 40 bpm during rest or only sitting, and my whole body slightly moved in the rhythm of the hart beats :) Those were the days...

[paddlesmcbean]

When I was super fit in my 20s my heart rate was at around 34. I’m now in my 60s and it is around 45. I’m not fit now but am active. Mums heart rate was always slow and she is now 85 and in pretty good nick. I think it is a combination of an extremely active first 50 years and genetics.😊

[daveoatway]

I'm 79. My resting HR is 51-56. I walk 5-10 miles almost every day. No symptoms!

[robertmcmahon]

Very informative; just what i needed to know.

[Ansonidak]

My heart rate was 30-40 for about 2 years without any symptoms. Then is started going below 30 and I started getting symptoms. That's when the cardio guy said its time for a pacemaker. It was never during exercise that I experienced symptoms it was always in the evening when I wasn't doing anything.

[goforitrazz]

68 years, no athlete, 50 bpm when sitting for a while, goes up after I eat, goes to 38 at night, been down to 32 according to my watch.

[AveenB]

I’m not an athlete but relatively active. My resting heart rate has always been low, sub 50 for more than 10 years now. I don’t have any of the symptoms unless I’m working through the night or drinking too much.

[DaveBoothroyd-ejin]

Excellently presented concise information and explanation. Many thanks.

[markscott]

Very well explained in fairly simple terms, i've had a pacemaker for around six months now and still getting the odd 38bpm at night, so you do wonder about the "settings" on these things !🤔

[sapperstang]

I am 46 and have always had a slow heart rate. These days my resting is about 40 and sometimes around 37 when sleeping. I’ve had tests for other reasons including a two week holter. I do occasionally get a little light headed upon standing but not sure if it’s related. Doctor has no problem with my heart rate. I have no problems exercising and my heart rate responds normally.