Low pulse is one of the complaints of patients in cardiology departments. This phenomenon can cause many unpleasant moments, since it is accompanied by fainting states, weakness, cold sweat, dizziness, often being a sign of serious illness. Its systematic occurrence is a reason to seek professional medical help.
In order to find out the cause of a rare pulse, the doctor prescribes comprehensive diagnostic tests to identify existing problems. The pulse is represented by jerky oscillations of the arterial walls, by which the heart rate can be tracked and, having identified their violations, appropriate measures can be taken.
If you look at the accepted indicators of normal heart rate for different ages, you can conclude that it decreases as you get older. This is due to the growth of the muscular middle layer, known as the myocardium. The larger the volume of the heart, the fewer beats it needs to make in order to pump blood.
Causes of low heart rate
Despite the fact that the maximum frequency indicators can be called conditional and individual, depending on a number of factors (undoubtedly, within certain limits), the pulse is below 50 beats/min. - a sign of the presence of a disease. Its reduction to forty beats poses a threat to health and life, since the brain suffers from oxygen starvation. If it does not exceed forty beats within seven days, this is a sign of bradycardia, and with a progressive decrease, you should urgently seek professional medical help.
Almost all initiating factors of a pulse below normal are related to pathological conditions. For convenience, experts divide them into different categories, which can be found in our table.
| Category of reasons | How is it manifested? |
| Physiological | There are a number of natural factors and external influences that initiate a low pulse at normal pressure. Such conditions are not dangerous. This:
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| Cardiological | The reasons for low blood pressure and low pulse may lie in the weakness of such a vital organ as the heart. They occur in the following diseases:
|
| Toxicological | Low blood pressure and low pulse can develop due to interaction with toxic substances when:
|
| Associated pathological conditions |
|
Low heart rate in the elderly is associated with age-related changes in the body. It often develops due to concomitant diseases or a natural slowdown in the body’s metabolic processes.
The secret of a woman's heart
With the advent of fitness bracelets, which not only biohackers, but also almost everyone who even a little thinks about a healthy lifestyle can’t live without, the importance of heart rate has increased greatly. Many health parameters are tied to it, which are automatically determined by these smart devices. They can use the pulse to determine the level of physical activity that is optimal for weight loss and report this to the user. To calculate such important indicators as blood oxygen level, stress level, degree of physical fitness, and some others, pulse rate is needed. Finally, for heart patients there are gadgets that can send an SOS signal if the pulse becomes life-threatening.
All these smart devices also make it possible to conduct research that was previously impossible. For example, fitness bracelets, tracking the pulse over a long time, calculate such an indicator as the average heart rate at rest during the day (before them, the pulse could only be determined occasionally). This approach has already made several discoveries. This is evidenced by a huge study in the United States, in which 92.5 thousand Americans participated. It was recently published in the very influential scientific journal Public Library of Science (PLOS). The participants were observed for about a year, analyzing the information obtained using fitness bracelets.
Article on the topic
He got up and went. Lack of exercise is the cause of heart and joint diseases. Here are the main results. The average resting heart rate among Americans was 65.5 beats/min. But in general it fluctuated widely; there were people with an average heart rate of 40 beats/min and 109 beats. But 95% of men had a heart rate in the range from 50 to 80 beats/min, and 95% of women had a heart rate from 53 to 82. In all age groups, the average resting heart rate increased in people under 50 years old, and then decreased. But in women at any age, the heart beat a little faster. An interesting phenomenon was discovered among representatives of the fair sex who are of childbearing age: their pulse fluctuated more than that of men and other women. Researchers attribute this to different phases of the monthly cycle. They believe that with the help of a fitness bracelet it is possible to create an individual pulse graph showing which phase of the woman’s cycle she is in, and use this, for example, for contraception.
Here's another discovery: an unexplained increase in average resting heart rate preceded the onset of an acute infection or exacerbation of bronchial asthma. This can also be used in early diagnosis and prevention of such diseases.
According to the researchers, over time, average resting heart rate will be used as a unique source of individual physiological data. They are confident that each person has his own special graph of this indicator and, by analyzing it over a long period of time, it will soon be possible to obtain information not only about the patient’s cardiovascular system, but also about the condition of the lungs, detection of infectious diseases, reproductive health and many other things.
Clinical manifestations of low heart rate
A moderate decrease in pressure most often does not lead to the development of clinical manifestations and is not accompanied by circulatory disorders. However, with a heart rate of no more than forty beats per minute, the following are observed:
- dizziness;
- weakness;
- semi-fainting and fainting;
- feeling of constant fatigue;
- labored breathing;
- pain symptoms in the chest area;
- blood pressure surges;
- inability to concentrate;
- forgetfulness;
- visual impairment.
Symptoms with a low pulse correspond to circulatory disorders that appear against its background. So, if it is slowed down, the brain suffers from a lack of oxygen and hypoxia develops (that is, oxygen starvation). As a result, the patient is susceptible to convulsions and loss of consciousness, lasting from several seconds to one minute. Such conditions are life-threatening and can cause respiratory arrest and therefore require immediate medical attention.
Screening and diagnosis of arrhythmia
To diagnose arrhythmias, the doctor usually asks the patient if they have any heart disease and/or thyroid problems. In addition, specific types of medical testing are always performed to detect arrhythmia. This may be a short or long-term passive recording of an electrocardiogram (a day or more), or an attempt to provoke an arrhythmia while simultaneously continuously recording the heart rhythm.
Passive monitoring methods include:
- Electrocardiography (ECG). During an ECG, electrodes attached to specific locations on the arms, legs, and chest record the electrical activity of the heart. An electrocardiogram examines the intervals and duration of each phase of heart contraction.
- Daily ECG monitoring using the Holter method. A portable ECG recorder is installed for a day or more to record the electrical activity of the heart as a person performs his usual daily activities, as well as during sleep.
- Echocardiography. Allows you to use an ultrasound sensor to obtain an image of the chambers of the heart, clarify their sizes, the movement of the walls and valves and other information.
Arrhythmia can be induced using the following tests:
- Tests with physical activity . Some arrhythmias are triggered or worsened by exercise. During the “stress” test, a treadmill or stationary exercise bike is used. During the test, a continuous ECG recording is made. To perform a “stress” test, medications can be used that stimulate the heart in a similar way to physical exercise. Typically, this method is used when it is impossible to perform physical exercise, as well as to establish a diagnosis of coronary heart disease.
- Tilt table test . When a person has unexplained loss of consciousness, slant tests may be helpful. In this case, rhythm and blood pressure are monitored in a horizontal position for 20-30 minutes. Then a special table is moved to a vertical position and rhythm and blood pressure are also monitored for 10 minutes. In this way, the condition of the heart and the specialized nervous system that controls the functioning of the heart when changing body position and moving from a horizontal to a vertical position is assessed.
- Electrophysiological study and mapping . This study is carried out using the thinnest catheters - electrodes, which are carried into the heart cavity. When electrodes are installed in the area of certain areas of the conduction system of the heart, they can be used to study the propagation of an electrical impulse throughout the heart, induce arrhythmia, while studying its localization and mechanism, and also test the therapeutic effect of various medications. This is the most informative and accurate method for diagnosing most arrhythmias. In addition, when performing EPI, it is possible not only to identify, but also to eliminate the arrhythmogenic focus using a special thermal effect called radiofrequency. In this way, most supraventricular and some types of ventricular tachycardias are eliminated. Currently, this method is also used for atrial fibrillation.
Diagnosis of low heart rate
Determining the causes of a pathologically low pulse requires a comprehensive diagnosis. First of all, the doctor listens to the patient’s complaints, collects anamnesis and conducts an examination. If bradycardia (i.e., decreased heart rate) is detected, the patient is prescribed a consultation with a cardiologist. As for diagnostic studies, they are as follows:
- Electrocardiography;
- Daily Holter monitoring;
- Ultrasound scan of the heart;
- EchoCG;
- Bicycle ergometry.
In addition, if necessary, TEE can be performed, which allows one to study the conduction pathways of the heart and determine the organic or functional nature of the disease.
Complications of arrhythmia
.
A number of heart rhythm disorders can increase the risk of developing conditions and diseases such as:
- Stroke
. When the atria fibrillate, they are unable to adequately pump blood to the ventricles. Slowing blood flow in the atria leads to the formation of clots. If a small piece breaks off from the clot, it can enter the bloodstream, spread throughout the body and clog the cerebral arteries, causing the development of ischemic stroke, i.e. damage or death of part of the brain, and sometimes leads to death. - Congestive heart failure
. Due to a prolonged period of bradycardia or tachycardia, such as atrial fibrillation, the heart may not pump efficiently. By controlling your heart rate, you can improve left ventricular contractility and reduce signs of heart failure.
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Treatment for low heart rate
A moderate decrease in heart rate that occurs without symptoms does not require therapy. However, if it exists, the underlying pathology must be treated. The strategy depends on the underlying disease, but in any case is aimed at:
- Elimination of symptoms of low heart rate;
- Eliminating the risk of heart rhythm disturbances;
- Prevention of thrombosis development.
If the problem arose as a result of uncontrolled use of pharmacological drugs, their dose is adjusted - or, if they are not needed, completely canceled.
What is called pulse
When the heart muscles contract, the walls of the blood vessels vibrate in a certain rhythm and with a certain force.
These fluctuations are called the pulse, an indicator of the work of the heart and the condition of the blood vessels. Normally, there should be equal intervals between pulsations. Among the causes of disturbances in the rhythm of oscillations of the vascular walls:
- heart pathology
- problems with blood vessels
- endocrine system diseases
- intoxication
- tachycardia of a heavy smoker
- heavy physical activity
- trauma with blood loss
- acute cold
- severe stress, etc.
Any disturbance in heart contractions signals that something is wrong in the body. You should definitely consult a doctor. But first of all, learn how to measure your pulse correctly.
Pulse is an indicator of the work of the heart and blood vessels.
How to quickly increase your heart rate?
If a rare pulse is not a symptom of heart disease and appears for physiological reasons, you can speed it up and eliminate unpleasant symptoms by using simple remedies available in almost every home. Before starting activities, it is important to take into account the circumstances under which the heart rate decreased.
| Initiating factor | How and with what is it manifested? |
| Stress, shock, nervous disorders | If the heart rate decreases to forty beats per minute or below, you can take sedatives:
|
| Decreased blood pressure and pulse | The best option is to take decoctions for:
|
| Increased blood pressure and decreased heart rate | The best solution would be:
|
| Pregnancy |
|
If a person is sufficiently resilient and healthy, physical activity (from running, jumping and squats to cardio exercises) would be a good option.
What makes the heart beat?
Like any organ, the heart has a conducting system, in other words, wires through which “current” flows to its various parts. The “electric current” originates spontaneously in the sinus node (a small point in the wall of the right atrium). This node is necessary for generating an impulse and adjusting the frequency of contractions depending on the needs of the body, for example, when we run it speeds up the heart, and when we sleep it slows it down.
From the sinus node, the impulse first goes to the atria, causing them to contract. Then the “wires” merge into one so-called “switch” or AV node (it is located in the middle of the heart between the atria and ventricles, in this node there is a slight delay in the passing “current” for the full contraction of the atria), then the impulse passes to the ventricles. In the ventricles, the “wires” branch and are called the bundle branches (left and right; the left, in turn, is further divided into the anterior branch and the posterior branch) with their help, the impulse causes contraction of the ventricles of the heart.
Prevention of rare pulse
Preventive measures boil down to timely treatment of organic heart lesions, elimination of the effects of toxic substances on the myocardium, competent selection of doses of pharmacological drugs and their administration under medical supervision. Don't forget to make regular preventive visits to your therapist and cardiologist.
Make an appointment with CELT specialists and find out the reasons for your rare pulse without delay.
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Causes of rapid heartbeat
Rapid heart beats are called tachycardia. Such changes in the functioning of the myocardium can have a functional and organic nature of disorders in the body.
You should pay attention to the main reasons that cause an increased level of heart rate:
- sudden feeling of fear;
- an inexplicable, painful attack of anxiety for the patient;
- severe muscle tension;
- sudden changes in blood pressure numbers;
- release of blood beyond the vascular bed;
- inflammatory process of various localization and nature, provoked by pyogenic microbial flora;
- accumulation of excess heat in the body with an increase in temperature;
- dysfunction caused by the entry of toxins into the body that provoked a painful condition;
- disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine gland, which produces iodine-containing hormones and participates in metabolic processes;
- malignant neoplasms;
- discomfort and pain behind the sternum due to circulatory failure of the heart muscle;
- changes in myocardial structures that disrupt the movement of liquid connective tissue inside a hollow organ or through the circulatory system;
- mental anxiety;
- anemia;
- accumulation of fat in the body, leading to excess body weight;
- consumption of drinks containing wine alcohol;
- suppression of ovulation, based on the use of synthetic analogues of female sex hormones;
- excessive enthusiasm for biologically active additives and their compositions;
- pathological change in the totality of processes of water and electrolytes entering the body;
- use of drugs to combat excess weight.
First aid for increased heart rate
If your heart rate is very high, do not panic. You can try home remedies to relieve the condition before you start taking medications. You need to take a horizontal position, raise your legs so that they are above the level of your head and lie down for 10–15 minutes. In this case, it is recommended to open the windows to provide oxygen access, and then take a deep breath and cough as you exhale.
If the condition has not stabilized on its own, and your health is worsening, you should call a medical team, and before they arrive, perform a number of actions:
- drink tincture of peony, motherwort, valerian or dissolve a Validol tablet;
- With little effort, press your eyeballs with your eyes closed and hold this position for 20–30 seconds;
- induce vomiting; impact on the root of the tongue;
- Gently massage the sides of the neck, at the location of the carotid arteries.
You can take a 20 mg tablet of Anaprilin, but other drugs are not allowed to be used without the permission of doctors. If, as a result of an increase in heart rate, a person loses consciousness, he needs to be washed with cold water, unbuttoned his clothes to allow fresh air to enter, and brought to his senses with ammonia.
