The heart’s rhythm and speed provide important information about cardiovascular health. The rhythm of your heartbeat can tell you a lot, even alerting you about your conditions. Just like irregular heartbeats indicate conditions like arrhythmia. Just as an irregular heartbeat can indicate arrhythmia, a slow heartbeat is not always normal; This may be a sign of a worrying condition called bradycardia.
Also read: Are you at risk of heart disease? Study shows eating these foods may reduce the risk of irregular heartbeat
To better understand the warning signs, HT Lifestyle contacted Dr Dilip Kumar, senior interventional cardiologist and device specialist at Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass, Kolkata.
Explaining what bradycardia is, Dr. Dilip Kumar said, “It is a condition where your heart continuously beats slower than 60 beats per minute (bpm).” According to cardiologists, this is worrisome because it means your heart is not pumping enough oxygen-rich blood throughout your body, affecting energy and overall health.
Dr. Kumar further explained that when the heart’s electrical system, which controls its rhythm, does not function properly, the heart can beat very slowly. While a slow heartbeat may be normal for athletes, for others it may be a sign of an underlying health problem that needs attention.
Who should be careful?
Slow heartbeat can happen to anyone; Some people need to be especially cautious. “Certain groups are at greater risk, including older adults, individuals with existing heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease, and people taking certain medications,” says Dr. Kumar. So if you fall into any of the mentioned groups, monitoring your heart rate and consulting a doctor regularly will help detect bradycardia and prevent complications such as dizziness, fatigue or fainting.
Can it be stopped?
So, can it be prevented? According to cardiologists, not all causes of slow heartbeat can be avoided, but you can reduce your risk by taking care of your heart.
he adds, “Although not all causes can be prevented, maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management and regular medical checkups can significantly reduce your risk and support overall heart health.
5 warning signs that your slow heartbeat may be bradycardia
Dr. Kumar lists these 5 signs that may mean you have bradycardia and need to see a doctor:
- Constant fatigue and weakness: Feeling tired even after resting may indicate that your heart is not providing enough oxygen.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: Insufficient blood flow to the brain due to a slow heart rate can cause these sensations.
- Spells of fainting or near fainting: A sudden, significant drop in heart rate can lead to loss of consciousness.
- Shortness of breath, especially during activity: Your heart struggles to meet its demand for oxygen, leading to shortness of breath with minimal exertion.
- Chest pain or discomfort: This may indicate that your heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
