When To Worry About Low Heart Rate:
If your heart rate is low, there aren’t any signs of anything serious happening and it probably isn’t worth going to the hospital. However, if your heart rate is below 60 beats per minute for three hours or more, you should take a trip to the doctor because this could be a warning sign that something serious is going on.
Table of Contents
What is a normal heart rate?
When should I be worried about a low heart rate?
A normal heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. When you are healthy, your heart rate should stay relatively stable throughout the day. When you start to experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or chest pain, your heart rate may be lower than normal. If you have a history of heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms, you should always visit your doctor if your heart rate falls below 60 beats per minute. If you are feeling very tired or lightheaded and your heart rate is below 40 beats per minute, it may be an emergency.
When should you be worried about low heart rates for adults?
When to worry about low heart rates for adults:
If your heart rate is below 60 beats per minute, you may be at risk for health problems. If it’s dropping below 50 bpm, it’s a sign you’re struggling to get enough oxygen and are likely experiencing some form of cardiac arrest. If your heart rate falls below 40 bpm, you may have a serious medical condition.
Causes of low heart rates
Heart rates can be low for a variety of reasons. The most common cause is a lack of oxygen in the blood. When this happens, the heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body. Other causes include:
–Digestive problems, like over-eating or diarrhea
–Hemorrhaging
–Pregnancy
–A high fever
–Smoking
–Lack of exercise
Extra Info: What Side is Your Heart On
What to do when you have low heart rates
If you have been feeling like your heart rate has been a little low lately, there may be something you can do about it. Here are some tips to help you when your heart rate is low:
- Check your symptoms. If you are feeling out of breath, lightheaded, or have a headache, this could be a sign that your heart rate is low. Make sure to talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms regularly, as they could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
- Get checked out. If you are feeling like your heart rate is low and it is not due to an underlying medical condition, it may be time to get checked out. Low heart rates can be a symptom of many different health issues, so it is important to get checked out just in case.
- Increase activity levels. If your heart rate is low because you are inactive, try increasing your activity levels. This could mean going for a walk, hiking outdoors, or taking a workout class at the gym. If you find that activity levels are not helping your heart rate rise, then consider changing up the type or intensity of your activity.