A slow pulse or low pulse is also called bradycardia or slowed heartbeat. In this context, a slow pulse is when the pulse rate is below 60 beats per minute at normal rest. A slow pulse should not be confused with low blood pressure.
What is bradycardia?
Bradycardia is the term used to describe a heartbeat that is too slow. Commonly, heart rates of less than 60 beats per minute are considered low bradycardia. Bradycardia is the term used to describe a heartbeat that is too slow. What too slow means depends on the individual’s circumstances. Competitive athletes sometimes have such a low resting rate that it would be considered abnormal in non-athletes. Commonly, heart rates of less than 60 beats per minute are considered low bradycardia. If the heart rate falls below 40 beats per minute, it is considered severely bradycardic. Bradycardia of less than 30 beats per minute is considered an indication for pacemaker therapy, as there is a high risk of unconsciousness in this case. If bradycardic and tachycardic phases alternate, the syndrome is called bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome.
Causes
First, the cause of a slow or low pulse does not necessarily have to be pathological. In athletes, regular endurance training generally causes the resting pulse to be lower and the heart to beat more slowly. Similarly, the pulse (heart rate) tends to be slower in men than in women. In healthy people, the heartbeat is controlled by the sinus node, the body’s pacemaker. The speed of the heartbeat or pulse, depends on physical exertion. Normally, the heart rate does not drop below 50 heartbeats per minute, exceptions are found in trained endurance athletes. They can have a heart rate of 30 beats per minute during sleep, which can be completely normal. In this case, there is a bradycardia controlled by the sinus node (sinus bradycardia). Pathological causes of a low pulse or heartbeat can be disorders of sinus bradycardia (excitation formation) or AV block (excitation conduction). This symptomatology is then closely associated with the so-called cardiac arrhythmias. Medications can also be responsible for a slow pulse.
Diseases with this symptom
- AV block
- Myocardial infarction
- Circulatory disorders
- Arterial occlusive disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Potassium deficiency
Diagnosis and course
In bradycardia, the doctor will first inquire about the exact symptoms and whether the patient is taking medication. Physical examination includes taking a pulse and listening to heart sounds (auscultation). Laboratory tests can detect any metabolic disorders. The most important diagnostic methods are the ECG and a stress test, which can be used to analyze the heart rate and heart rhythm at rest and under stress, as well as during the course of the day. Other examination methods include ultrasound examinations (echocardiography), cardiac catheterization (with X-rays and contrast media), and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in which a layer-by-layer image of the heart is taken using the magnetic resonance method. Bradycardia (not necessarily pathological in athletes, for example) can vary widely because of a wide variety of possible causes.
Complications
A slow pulse is said to occur when the heart rate is below 60 beats per minute in a normal state. In medicine, such a case is referred to as bradycardia. Bradycardia can be a sign of hypothyroidism, yellow fever or arterial occlusive disease. Especially for elderly people, a slow pulse can be a real danger. A slow pulse can also be the cause of 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 rather 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 are compressed, blood circulation can no longer flow properly.In this case, 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. In general, anyone suffering from a slow pulse should have this monitored by a doctor at regular intervals.
When should you see a doctor?
A slow pulse is usually not problematic. A visit to the doctor is recommended if the low blood pressure leads to discomfort. If dizziness, fatigue and headaches occur, a medical professional must clarify the causes. Other warning signs of a serious underlying condition are visual disturbances (blackness before the eyes), impaired consciousness and ringing in the ears, as well as cold hands and feet. As soon as the slow pulse affects the well-being or leads to restrictions in everyday life, a medical clarification 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 after an accident should also be medically examined to avoid complications. Fainting or unconsciousness as a result of slow pulse requires emergency medical treatment. In addition, first aid should be administered until emergency medical services arrive. Deviations from normal pulse should generally be investigated in children, the elderly, pregnant women, and other at-risk groups. Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease should initially observe symptoms and discuss them with their treating physician, if necessary.
Treatment and therapy
In athletes, treatment of low pulse is not necessary. If the cause of the slow pulse is pathological, it can lead to low exercise capacity, unconsciousness or even cardiac arrest. Therefore, a doctor should always be consulted in case of this symptomatology. The physician will carry out detailed examinations of the heart by means of ECG and long-term ECG. The heart rate can also be determined by ultrasound (Doppler sonography). The classic method of listening to the heart (auscultation) is also an important diagnostic tool. If the cause is not medicinal, but a diseased heart is directly the cause of the slower pulse, the implantation of a pacemaker may be necessary. Medications for treatment are used only in emergencies. These include parasympatholytics (atropine) or sympathomimetics (epinephrine). Similarly, chest compressions may be required if the pulse is very slow or even if the heart stops.
Outlook and prognosis
A slow pulse does not necessarily cause a problem or medical complication. Especially in athletes, a slow resting pulse often occurs and is a common symptom. In many cases, however, a slow pulse indicates a medical condition. This includes, above all, hypothyroidism or yellow fever. The slow pulse can be a problem, especially in older people. Often, a slow pulse makes the patient feel unwell and complain of dizziness and headaches. If the slow pulse is persistent and not treated, fainting may occur. If this occurs, it is imperative that the symptom be treated by a physician. If the problem is not treated, it can lead to death in the worst case scenario if cardiac arrest occurs. Treatment is usually through medication, and surgical procedures are rarely performed. However, treatment usually cannot address the cause of the slow pulse. However, it can limit the symptoms and thus alleviate the possible complications. Usually, affected people feel weak and cannot perform strenuous physical work.
Home remedies and herbs for low pulse
- Eat a lot of hazelnuts and garlic for low blood pressure and slow pulse.
What you can do yourself
Slow pulse does not always require medical clarification. However, if there is a pathological cause, the low blood pressure should in any case first be clarified by a specialist. In addition, various measures and home remedies can counteract a slow pulse. If the low blood pressure is merely due to an undersupply of certain nutrients or minerals, the deficiency can be quickly compensated for by eating suitable foods.Those affected should also ensure a balanced diet and divide meals into several units to prevent a drop in blood pressure after eating. Drinking water is acutely effective against a drop in blood pressure. Those who are prone to a slow pulse should avoid alcohol, caffeine and other stimulants so that blood pressure remains stable and reaches a healthy level. Sufferers should also drink enough and avoid sitting still for long periods of time or standing up suddenly. In addition, compression stockings, exercise or foods that increase blood pressure can help. Carbohydrate-rich foods should be avoided as much as possible. Chronic low blood pressure, such as can occur as a result of stress or prolonged illness, can be treated with the help of yoga and similar relaxation methods.
