Florent Lefortier answered
Having a heartbeat of under 60 beats per minute is actually a medical condition called “bradycardia” (derived from the Greek for “heart slowness”).
Bradycardia can be quite dangerous, as it prevents oxygen from getting around the body quickly enough.
People with bradycardia may notice some of the following symptoms:
Bradycardia and Health
Although bradycardia can be quite dangerous, it’s also quite common among professional athletes and young, healthy people.
If no other symptoms are experienced, and the individual is perfectly healthy, then bradycardia is something to be monitored, but not to worry about. It might just be an obscure sign that you're in great physical condition!
Causes of Slow Pulse
A low heart-rate can be caused by several things:
If your heart-rate is below 50, it's definitely worth getting your doctor to make sure everything's working as it should. You might be perfectly healthy, but it's better to be safe than sorry!
Lowest Recorded Heart-Rate
Professional cyclist Miguel Indurain has the lowest heart-rate on record - only 28 beats per minute! This is partly due to his excellent health and fitness levels, and partly to his genetic make-up.
Bradycardia can be quite dangerous, as it prevents oxygen from getting around the body quickly enough.
People with bradycardia may notice some of the following symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Chest pains
Bradycardia and Health
Although bradycardia can be quite dangerous, it’s also quite common among professional athletes and young, healthy people.
If no other symptoms are experienced, and the individual is perfectly healthy, then bradycardia is something to be monitored, but not to worry about. It might just be an obscure sign that you're in great physical condition!
Causes of Slow Pulse
A low heart-rate can be caused by several things:
- Beta-blocker medicines
- Benzodiazepine overdose
- Pain (although this can also cause high heart-rate!)
- Hypoxia
- Heart defects
- Old age
- Hypothermia
- Hypothyroidism
If your heart-rate is below 50, it's definitely worth getting your doctor to make sure everything's working as it should. You might be perfectly healthy, but it's better to be safe than sorry!
Lowest Recorded Heart-Rate
Professional cyclist Miguel Indurain has the lowest heart-rate on record - only 28 beats per minute! This is partly due to his excellent health and fitness levels, and partly to his genetic make-up.
