Bradycardia refers to a resting heart rate below 60 beats per minute. While a slow heartbeat can be normal during sleep or in physically active people, it may sometimes indicate a problem with the heart’s electrical system.
The heart relies on electrical signals to coordinate each heartbeat. When these signals are generated too slowly or do not travel through the heart properly, the heart may not pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body. The effects can vary from person to person, and some people may have no noticeable symptoms.
When bradycardia causes symptoms, they can include fatigue, dizziness, light-headedness, shortness of breath, reduced ability to exercise and episodes of fainting. These symptoms can interfere with everyday activities and may require medical evaluation.
Diagnosing the condition can be challenging because abnormal heart rhythms do not always occur continuously. A person may experience symptoms only occasionally, while their heart rhythm appears normal during a routine clinic visit.
For this reason, doctors may use cardiac monitoring devices that track heart rhythms for longer periods. Insertable cardiac monitors can continuously record heart activity over an extended period and may help doctors identify rhythm abnormalities that are difficult to capture during a standard examination.
A slow heart rate does not automatically mean there is a serious heart problem. However, persistent symptoms or unexplained changes in heart rhythm should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause.
