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Low heart rate
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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"Low pulse" - often we hear this doctor's verdict and do not quite understand what it means, and also what such a pathological process can cause. In order to find out the nature of the low pulse, it is necessary to understand what the medical concept is in general.
So, the pulse is the rhythmic fluctuations in the volume of blood in the vessels caused by the contraction of the myocardium and caused by pressure in the vessels during one cardiac cycle. This process manifests itself in the form of strokes during palpation of large vessels.
In the normal state, the pulse varies from 60 to 80 beats per minute. The measurement of this indicator is carried out in a horizontal position and preferably in the morning. It should be noted that the factor of the pulse can be influenced by such a factor as the age of a person. For example, in newborns, the pulse is usually 140 beats per minute, and in elderly people - only 65 beats / min. The highest pulse occurs in children up to 7 years old, most often it is equal to 100 beats / minute. With age, the pulse decreases, and during the period of old age, its rate becomes the lowest. However, doctors found that before death, the pulse may rise again and sometimes reach 160 beats / min.
Pulse has properties to vary depending on the physical and emotional state of a person. For example, when running and other physical exertion it rises; stress, fear, fear and other emotional states can also cause an increase in the heart rate.
Causes of low heart rate
A low pulse is a deviation from the norm, associated with a decrease in the heart rate.
Causes of low heart rate are very diverse. This and arterial hypertension, and pain syndromes, malnutrition and improper intake of medications. Various changes in the work of the heart very often cause a bradycardia. In addition, the pulse may decrease due to a long stay in cold water, severe stress, intense physical exertion. When diagnosing a low heart rate, it is necessary to consult a cardiologist for examination. It should be noted that the heart rate depends on the blood pressure: accordingly, the lower the blood pressure, the lower the pulse. If a person has hypotension, causing bradycardia, you should start taking medications that stimulate blood pressure. Among the reasons for the low pulse, we can also note oxygen starvation associated with a sedentary lifestyle and lack of active activity. Deviations in the work of the heart can be observed in people of different ages, which is associated with heredity, our constitution, and the number of acquired diseases.
The cause of pathological bradycardia lies in the organic pathology of the heart and disruption of the myocardium, i.e. The presence of coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis of coronary vessels, myocarditis, or postinfarction cardiosclerosis. In addition, endocrine and nerve diseases, increased intracranial pressure, severe intoxication and various infections can cause heart failure.
Why is the pulse low?
A low pulse is a signal of a heart rhythm disturbance. However, true bradycardia can only be discussed if, according to ECG data, the pulse and heart rate are the same.
Many people are interested in the question: "Why is the pulse low?" Among the reasons for this phenomenon can be noted physiological states and various organic pathologies. There are often cases when a person naturally has a low pulse, but there is no organic change in the heart.
To provoke a decrease in the pulse may be pathological disorders in the nervous and endocrine system, thyroid gland function, VSD, as well as diseases of the cardiovascular system: myocarditis, atherosclerosis, ischemia, etc.
A low pulse can be an indicator of infection in the body, as well as signaling increased intracranial pressure and other disorders in the work of the brain (meningitis, oxygen starvation of the brain, etc.). Taking certain medications, in particular beta-blockers, can also lead to a decrease in heart rate.
The presence of several types of bradycardia requires a careful examination of a patient with a low pulse to determine the most important cause of this condition. With physiological bradycardia as such, no treatment is required. But if the results of the examination prove the patient's pathological bradycardia, which is associated with problems in the functioning of the conduction system of the heart, the main pathology should be treated. Only after this, the person's pulse will recover.
Which pulse is considered low?
Low pulse - a very common phenomenon, which is caused by a violation of the heart rate.
Which pulse is considered low? In medicine, it is considered that with a pulse rate below 55 beats / min. There are all grounds for diagnosing a person's pathological processes associated with cardiac dysfunction. Such a violation is called "bradycardia" in another way. Usually, the pulse is reduced to 50 beats / min. Is observed at a lowered arterial pressure. In addition, this indicator depends on physiological reasons: for example, the pulse has the property of lowering at rest or during deep sleep (most often in athletes). This process is also observed with prolonged stay of a person in a cold room, or a sharp change in climatic conditions. If the pulse goes down without a reason, it is necessary to be examined by a doctor.
Reduction of the pulse rate to 50-40 beats / min, first of all, signals a malfunction in the heart muscle, so when observing this symptom, a person should consult a cardiologist for further medical examination. First of all, an electrocardiogram should be done. If the results of the examination show that the pulse is equal to the heart rate, i.e. The indices of these two concepts are equal, that is, there is every reason to believe that the patient develops a bradycardia.
What does the low pulse say?
A low pulse signals violations of the heart rhythm due to malfunctioning of the myocardium. The reasons can be several, one of the most common - low blood pressure.
What does the low pulse say? First of all, about the development of cardiac pathology, especially if the bradycardia is confirmed by the result of an electrocardiogram. Such pathology develops due to dysfunction of the sinus node of the heart (the main driver of the heart rhythm), which produces electrical impulses. The consequence of this process may be insufficient supply of organs and tissues with oxygen, as well as with substances necessary for their full functioning. This leads to various violations and failures in the work of internal systems and organs. A low pulse may initially not bother the patient, but over time, other clinical symptoms of bradycardia join it:
- frequent dizziness and headaches;
- general weakness and fatigue;
- nausea and vomiting;
- fainting.
Changes in the pulse can also provoke endocrine pathologies, psychological stress, various diseases of the thyroid gland and the intake of hormonal drugs. Slow pulse is a companion of such dangerous heart diseases as ischemic heart disease, arterial hypertension, congenital and acquired defects, myocardial infarction.
The lowest pulse
Low heartbeat (bradycardia) is a very dangerous condition, which provokes a lack of oxygen, because of what, first of all, the human brain suffers. As a result of this pathology, there are frequent, sudden fainting, a person starts to worry with attacks of dizziness and headache. In addition, due to lowering the pulse to the limit of 40 cuts / min. And less a person can experience severe weakness, chronic fatigue, general malaise. One of the main symptoms of this condition is also the appearance of cold sweat.
The lowest pulse is less than 40 beats / min. - can provoke cardiac arrest, which, naturally, without emergency medical aid is fraught with a fatal outcome. That's why with the symptoms of bradycardia, it is necessary to contact the cardiologist as soon as possible to conduct an accurate diagnosis of heart disease. An electrocardiogram will be the primary method of examining the condition of the heart. Also, such studies as coronary angiography, ultrasound of the heart, samples with atropine, Holter monitoring (carrying out a daily examination of the heart by using a portable electrocardiograph) may be necessary. If no serious cardiac pathology is detected as a result of medical research, the patient should consult with other doctors - neurologist, endocrinologist, therapist, etc. In order to find out the true cause of heart rhythm disturbance.
Often bradycardia worries athletes and physically active people. In this case, the symptom has no clinical significance. Often the pulse rate is 60-40 cuts / min. Associated with the human constitution, is transmitted genetically, and also occurs in people with unstable work of the autonomic nervous system (pronounced lability), in which the predominance of the tone of the vagus nerve is observed.
It should be noted that people experience bradycardia differently. Some have a heart rate of 45-50 beats per minute. Symptoms are manifested in the form of frequent dizziness and general fatigue, and others at a heart rate of 37-40 beats / min. Almost nothing is felt. Despite this, a low pulse can not be called a norm, because in this state the body loses oxygen, and with it - the various nutrients necessary for the normal operation of all internal organs and systems.
Symptoms of low heart rate
A low pulse can be asymptomatic, especially if it is a physiological feature of a particular person. In this case there are no reasons for concern - this symptom does not threaten health.
Symptoms of low pulse, which is caused by irregularities in the work of the heart or other organs, can manifest as dizziness, headaches, fainting, which is most often triggered by oxygen starvation. In this case, a person may also have weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, absent-mindedness and memory loss. If such symptoms occurred suddenly and without any known causes, there is reason to believe that bradycardia is present, a heart rhythm disorder characterized by a low heart rate and heart rate (less than 60 beats / minute).
Potential complications of bradycardia include frequent syncope, heart failure, and in severe cases - even sudden cardiac arrest. Therefore, it is so important to pay attention in time to the symptoms of such a pathological condition and consult a doctor. Not necessarily low heart rate can cause heart disease, among the common causes of such a symptom - endocrine pathologies, low blood pressure, intoxication, nervous system diseases, infectious diseases, and increased intracranial pressure.
Weakness and low heart rate
Low pulse may be accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, weakness - often due to low blood pressure.
Weakness and low heart rate may be signs of cardiovascular and other diseases. It should be remembered that a decrease in the pulse to 40 beats / min. It is dangerous for health, because this condition causes a lack of oxygen in the brain. In turn, this is manifested by dizziness and weakness, as well as chronic fatigue and fainting.
Muscular weakness in the limbs with a low pulse may indicate hyperthyroidism - an increased function of the thyroid gland. Additional symptoms in the development of this pathology may be nervous excitability, insomnia, weight loss with good appetite, finger tremor, etc. A general weakness against a background of low pulse causes intoxication of the organism in infectious diseases, as well as poisoning and taking certain medications.
Slowly increasing weakness and decreased heart rate often occur with heart disease. At the same time, patients notice permanent weakness and fatigue, especially with increasing physical activity and even after it. In addition, there are other signs: shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling of the extremities. Often, weakness is combined with drowsiness, sweating, absent-mindedness, headaches, irritability. Such a complex of symptoms can signal the development of arterial hypotension (lowering blood pressure). It should be noted that with this pathology, even sleep does not bring long-awaited vivacity, on the contrary, in the morning hours, weakness with reduced blood pressure is particularly pronounced. To establish an accurate diagnosis of weakness, low blood pressure and other unpleasant symptoms, you should consult your doctor.
Arrhythmia and low heart rate
A low pulse can dislodge a person from the rut, especially if it is accompanied by a number of other symptoms: pain in the chest, shortness of breath, cold sweating, fainting. Often this is due to arrhythmia - a violation of the pulse, which is characterized by uneven intervals, heart sinking, interruptions in his work. Identify the arrhythmia quite easily - through manual measurement of the pulse, or models of digital BP meters, which are also equipped with a pulse meter and an arrhythmia determinant.
Arrhythmia and low heart rate - what do these symptoms indicate? First of all, the possible development of heart disease. It should be noted that in most cases, arrhythmias are secondary to the underlying disease, i.e. This symptom causes some kind of pathology, a malfunction in the work of the heart muscle, which can be identified only by medical examination.
Arrhythmia due to the development of bradycardia is dangerous because the low level of blood circulation negatively affects all internal organs of a person. In addition to the violation of cardiac contractions, a person has weakness, dizziness, there may be a loss of consciousness. For example, hypertension, thyroid dysfunction, heart failure, low potassium in the blood and congenital heart disease can cause so-called. "Atrial fibrillation," which is characterized by a chaotic contraction of the atria. This pathology leads to an extremely inefficient discharge of blood and a violation of the whole blood circulation. In turn, weak blood circulation can provoke shortness of breath, fatigue, cause pain in the heart. Only the treatment of a causative disease can help get rid of arrhythmias against a background of low heart rate.
[7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12]
Low heart rate in the morning
Low heart rate is not necessarily an indicator of any disease or pathological process in the body, in the morning it is the norm, which is caused by the slowdown of all processes in the body during relaxation and rest.
A low pulse in the morning can be less than 60 beats per minute, but throughout the day this figure fluctuates. Usually, late in the evening, the pulse also slows down, it is caused by physiological processes and does not signal a health problem unless a person is disturbed by other symptoms. It should be borne in mind that in the prone position, the pulse will also be lower than in the standing or sitting position. Thus, to monitor the process of changing the pulse, it is recommended to measure it at the same time and only in a horizontal position. In this case, the most accurate values will be when calculating the pulse for 1 minute.
If a person, in addition to a low heart rate, is troubled by headaches, severe weakness, dyspnea, dizziness and other unpleasant symptoms in the morning, this indicates a possible presence of vegetative-vascular dystonia in the hypotonic type, or hypofunction of the adrenal cortex or thyroid gland. In the pathological state, a low pulse in combination with low blood pressure in the morning is observed in hypotensive people, people who have survived craniocerebral trauma, as well as suffering from various chronic diseases. In any case, to determine the cause of poor health it is necessary to undergo a medical examination.
After a heart attack, low heart rate
A low pulse after a heart attack is common. If the patient feels well, then this indicator should not particularly bother him.
However, often after a heart attack, a low pulse of 55 beats / min. And below indicates the development of bradycardia and hypotension (if the systolic pressure is less than 100 mm Hg). In this case, a medical consultation is necessary. Independently to take any measures is dangerous, because we are talking about the rehabilitation period of the patient after a heart attack. Medication for the normalization of the pulse should be prescribed exclusively by a cardiologist after the examination.
The sharp development of the bradycardia indicates a poor circulation, and therefore requires an immediate call for an ambulance. In this case, it is necessary to prevent the risk of death. Usually, doctors use intravenous injection of adrenostimulants.
Cardiac rehabilitation after a heart attack is aimed primarily at reducing the risk of a recurrence. One of the main areas of such rehabilitation is the constant monitoring of the parameters of blood pressure and pulse, as well as the level of cholesterol and glucose in the blood. In addition, you should adhere to a diet for normalization of cardiac activity, work to reduce body weight with excess weight, avoid nervous stress and stress, take care of physical rehabilitation (in the beginning - in a hospital, strictly under the supervision of a doctor). In case of moderate physical loads, the pulse should increase, but its value should be carefully monitored. In medicine, a formula is used to calculate the optimal pulse rate: from 220 it is necessary to "otminusovat" the patient's age and multiply the figure by 0.70. An important condition should be the patient's well-being.
Low temperature and low heart rate
A low pulse, accompanied by a decrease in body temperature below 36 ° C and other symptoms (apathy, lethargy, general malaise), indicates pathological processes in the body. Among them it is necessary to single out decrease in hemoglobin level, dysfunction of thyroid gland, defeat of adrenal glands, overfatigue, exacerbation of chronic diseases, lack of vitamin C, decrease in immunity against pregnancy, etc. There are many reasons, therefore it is important to take into account the overall clinical picture, the patient's well-being, the presence of additional signs, chronic diseases in the anamnesis.
Low temperature and low pulse can be combined with tremors, drowsiness, coordination problems. Most often - the symptoms of anemia, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, hypoglycemia, parasitic infections, hypothyroidism, pneumonia, etc.
To such a state, when pressure and pulse decrease, can also lead to:
- supercooling as a result of a long stay in the cold;
- immersion in cold water;
- wearing out of season clothes;
- excessive intake of antipyretics;
- drug addiction and alcoholism.
Certainly, at a low body temperature, which is accompanied by a decrease in the pulse and other symptoms, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner. Only a medical examination will help to identify the root cause of the disease.
Headache and low pulse
Low pulse in combination with low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause headache, weakness, general malaise. Usually, the headache is dull, constant, and a throbbing pain of paroxysmal nature may also appear on its background. Most often, such attacks occur after a nervous or mental overexertion. Symptoms of the attack are the pallor of the skin and a rare pulse, which can hardly be felt on the forearm.
If you have a headache and a low pulse, you need to go to the doctor for a checkup. Often in the case of hypotension, a consultation of a neurologist is needed, since this ailment often overwhelms people who are very sensitive, emotional, having a low threshold of stress resistance and a predisposition to depression. Thus, hypotension is the result of stress and psycho-emotional stress of a person.
If the headache and lowering of the pulse are caused by a decrease in pressure, you can use caffeine-containing drugs (ascofen, tsitramon, coffee, strong tea) to relieve pain. It should be for a while to adhere to bed rest. Sleep is recommended without a pillow, with a low head position and slightly elevated (using a pillow or roller) with your feet.
Catastrophic deficiency of physical activity is one of the main causes of the development of hypotension. So people suffering from such an ailment should change their way of life and move more. Hypotension can provoke chronic fatigue, climate change, prolonged bed rest, insomnia, past infections and flu. All these are temporary states that can be corrected.
Dizziness and low heart rate
A low pulse is a danger when accompanied by other symptoms, in particular, such as weakness, cold sweat, dizziness, headache, nausea. Slowing the pulse is associated with a violation of the process of contracting the heart. This is the cause of a number of troubling symptoms.
Dizziness and low heart rate indicate a disturbed circulation, it can be a signal about the development of bradycardia - the result of a violation of the electrical activity of the heart, a failure in the transmission of signals regulating the rhythm of the heart activity. If you do not pay attention to such pathologies and allow neglect of the bradycardia, in a severe case a person may have cardiac arrest.
Slowing the pulse and the appearance of dizziness may be signs of hypothyroidism of the thyroid gland, depressing the work of the heart muscle, hypothermia, malnutrition, hypothermia, severe exhaustion, as well as VSD, hypotension, anemia. Taking certain medications can cause a decrease in the pulse and, as a consequence, dizziness. It can be beta-blockers, digitalis preparations, sedatives and tranquilizers.
In any case, if unpleasant symptoms occur, you should contact the medical center to diagnose the exact cause of the decrease in the pulse and the accompanying symptoms. Only a medical examination can help in choosing the right treatment.
Low blood pressure and low heart rate
Low pulse, accompanied by low blood pressure, is a sign of bradycardia. The heart rate can be only 50 to 30 beats per minute. Naturally, this condition is an anomaly and requires a medical examination to identify the main causes.
Low blood pressure and low heart rate with bradycardia may result from:
- acute hypothermia of the body;
- pathological changes in the heart muscle (heart disease, myocarditis, angina pectoris);
- overdose with certain medicines;
- infectious diseases;
- depletion of the human body in acute shortage of nutrients and starvation;
- strokes and injuries of the neck or chest;
- severe poisoning with nicotine or heavy metals.
Such conditions can be accompanied by attacks of dizziness, severe fatigue, severe weakness due to insufficient oxygen and blood supply to body tissues. The most sensitive in this regard is the brain. Therefore, with prolonged bradycardia, a person often faints. In this case, it is important to identify the real causes of this condition - heart disease or internal organs, the result of poisoning, etc.
Hypodinamy (pressure below 95/60 in women and 100/60 in men) in combination with a low pulse can be the result of a sedentary lifestyle, insomnia, work in difficult conditions (underground, at high temperature, and also contact with harmful chemical substances).
Development of hypotension may be associated with thyroid disease, adrenal dysfunction, malfunctioning of the nervous or cardiovascular system, as well as anemia, cholecystitis, peptic ulcer disease, hepatitis C, etc. Usually, treatment of a disease that causes a decrease in pressure leads to its normalization and restoration of the pulse.
Low pulse at normal pressure
A low pulse can be observed at normal pressure. However, if a person does not feel any additional symptoms, there is no cause for concern. Often, a decrease in the pulse may occur in athletes, active, trained people who normally carry the condition when the heart rate is below the norm at acceptable blood pressure values. However, if along with a low pulse of 55-30 beats / min. There is weakness, dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing, decreased concentration, disturbed thinking and other symptoms, there is reason for excitement. Thus, some disease can manifest itself.
What can cause a low pulse at normal pressure? First of all, bradycardia is a kind of cardiac arrhythmia, which in most cases develops as a result of disturbances in the conducting system due to irreversible organic changes in the myocardium (heart defects of various etiologies, AH, myocarditis, IHD). Bradycardia can also be caused by an increase in activity of the parasympathetic system (for example, when bathing a person in too cold water, etc.). An overdose of beta-blockers, quinidine, cardiac glycosides can provoke a decrease in heart rate.
It should be taken into account that the bradycardia, which has developed even against the background of normal indices of arterial pressure, can lead to such complications as shock or arrhythmic collapse - to dangerous conditions, often resulting in cardiac arrest and death. That is why it is so important to find out the cause of bradycardia in a timely manner and begin an effective fight against it. Complex therapy should be performed under the strict supervision of a cardiologist.
Low pulse at high pressure
A low pulse is often a symptom that accompanies various diseases. For example, many hypertensive patients complain of a lowered pulse. This causes a problem, since taking antihypertensive drugs even more provokes a decrease in heart rate, and the use of medication to normalize the pulse contributes to even greater fluctuations in blood pressure. By the way, it is generally considered high pressure, the figure of which exceeds 140/90.
What is the cause of this condition? The main causes of high pressure on the background of a delayed heart rate may be:
- weakness of the sinus node;
- endocarditis;
- defects and blockade of the myocardium;
- various pathologies of the heart;
- thyroid disease;
- vegetative dystonia;
- side effects of certain medicines.
Often, bradycardia occurs in hypertensive patients during the adaptation of their body to changes in the temperature regime, or because of overwork, severe mental stress, chronic fatigue. In such situations, a low pulse is not dangerous, such a symptom is a temporary and fast-passing phenomenon.
What to do when there is a low pulse at high pressure? Naturally, it is best to consult a cardiologist, especially if the decrease in the pulse with hypertension has occurred abruptly, or is often repeated. The patient will need a thorough examination with the help of monitoring of blood pressure, electrocardiograms, holter studies of the heart, veloergometry and echocardiography, as well as studying the functioning of the thyroid gland (in particular, determining the level of hormones and ultrasound of the body).
When the patient develops a hypertensive crisis against a background of low heart rate, it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance. While waiting for doctors, the patient should take a horizontal position. You can put a warm compress on the collar zone, or attach a yellow card to your feet. It should be taken into account that an independent intake of any medications is unacceptable. This is especially true of the drugs that are most commonly used in the treatment of hypertension, such as Adelphan, Anaprilin, Concor, Verapamil, and their analogues.
It is necessary to emphasize that the treatment of hypertension in its combination with the propensity to a delayed pulse is characterized by its peculiarities, because in this case it is possible to use not all antihypertensives. Typically, the doctor appoints the patient angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors or alpha-blockers, as well as diuretics. It is important to choose the most effective treatment regimen, and this can only be done by an experienced doctor.
At high pressure and low pulse, it is necessary to use caution so-called. "Alternative" methods of stimulation of the heart, for example, physical activity and the use of caffeine-containing beverages. Even homeopathic remedies should be prescribed exclusively by the attending physician, in order to avoid side effects in the form of increased pressure during the normalization of the pulse.
Very low heart rate
A low pulse is a pathology if it reaches the extreme limits and is accompanied by a number of symptoms that indicate various disorders in the work of the heart or the development of diseases of other internal organs (thyroid, liver or kidney, brain, etc.).
Very low pulse, less than 55 beats / min. - cause for concern. In this case, it is customary to talk about so-called. "Sinus bradycardia," which, according to most physicians, is considered a borderline between the norm and pathology. Bradycardia is dangerous, first of all, by the fact that it can provoke arrhythmia, and in more severe course - the development of a heart attack and stroke.
Causes of a slow pulse may be inactivity, a decrease in the level of metabolism, a loss of tonus, a set of excess weight. Often, a bradycardia arises with a clear sense of the feeling of heart attacks, the pulse gradually decreases. Diagnosis of bradycardia is usually performed by measuring the frequency of work and the strength of the heart. Reaching a low limit - from 55 beats / min. And below, the bradycardia becomes very dangerous, because a decrease in the pulse and a simultaneous increase in cardiac amplitude is, in fact, a state of heart failure that requires immediate medical intervention, because the body can not cope on its own. The value of the load on the heart increases, while the size of the vessels and heart grow, reaching values at which their strength is not enough, and this is fraught with a rupture. In late forms of bradycardia, the pulse rate reaches 35-30 strokes and below, which threatens to arrest the heart and death.
Pulse below 60
Low pulse at 60 beats / min. Is not always a pathological disorder, since the heart rate depends on the level of exercise and the strength of the heart muscle, as well as the normal functioning of the nervous system. This may sound strange, but sometimes a pulse of 40 beats / min. Is the norm - for athletes who have a well-trained cardiac muscle. For the average person, the reduction of the pulse beyond the limits of 60 strokes is a deviation from the norm and signals a malfunction in the work of the heart.
What exactly can indicate a pulse below 60? First of all, the arterial hypotension, the lack of blood supply to the myocardium and the oxygen content in the blood, as well as the deficiency in the body of potassium, magnesium, calcium. Lowering the pulse may trigger some medications, excessive intake of caffeine-containing beverages and alcohol. A constant pulse rate is below 60 beats / min. May indicate thyroid dysfunction (it does not work well), especially if a person feels a general malaise, weakness, and also has hair loss, constipation, thermoregulatory disorders.
The rate of contraction of the heart muscle is influenced by a conductive system consisting of special muscle fibers that conduct pulses in different areas of the heart. In case of interruption of these pathologies by diseases, or their changes by drugs, cardiac blockade may occur. In this case, the danger increases, as the cardiac contractions can slow down to the level of a heart attack, shock, a heart attack.
Pulse below 50
A low pulse is often a factor in the development of pathological processes in the body, especially when its index is less than 50 beats. In addition, if a person feels accompanying symptoms in the form of weakness, headache, difficulty breathing, etc., there is reason to believe about the development of heart disease or internal organs.
What does it mean when the pulse is below 50 beats / minute? This condition is called a "bradycardia" and can indicate the presence in the body of a disease, and in itself it can provoke the appearance of unpleasant sensations of clinical signs - severe fatigue, apathy, headaches. Therefore, when monitoring the loss of pulse, you should seek medical advice, have an ECG and a number of additional cardiac examinations to determine the main cause of this condition.
Expressed bradycardia often accompanies heart failure, which is dangerous to human health and can provoke a heart attack or heart attack. Pathological causes of bradycardia can be: poisoning of the body with heavy metals, sclerotic changes in the heart muscle, hypothyroidism, increased intracranial pressure, jaundice, prolonged fasting and other factors.
It should be noted that the low pulse rate, which is 50 beats / minute. And less, is often found in well-trained people and many athletes and is not a deviation. For example, the pulse of the famous rider Miguel Indurain at rest was only 28 beats / min.! At the same time, if the athlete does not feel discomfort and other symptoms, such as heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, shortness of breath, then his health is normal.
With significant severity of sinus rhythm disturbances, fainting conditions are a particular danger, since in such cases the risk of sudden cardiac arrest increases. Thus, a severe form of bradycardia requires medical care, in particular, when a patient is at risk of life, it is recommended that a pacemaker be installed.
Pulse below 40
A low pulse, the rate of which is only 40 beats / min. Or lower, is a factor indicating a strong degree of development of pathological bradycardia. At the same time, frequent symptoms of this condition can be called pain in the heart, sudden fluctuations in blood pressure, cold sweat, weakness, dizziness and sudden attacks of loss of consciousness.
Why does the pulse below 40 lead to such severe symptoms? It's all about lack of blood supply and oxygen starvation of organs and tissues. In such situations, it is necessary to undergo a thorough examination with a cardiologist in order to determine the cause of bradycardia and prescription of drugs for effective control of this pathology.
Especially dangerous is the sudden onset of a bradycardia attack on the background of the previous wakefulness and well-being - this condition is called a "blockade of holding" and can signal a heart attack or even an infarction, and therefore requires immediate medical intervention. If the pulse drops to 30 beats / min. And less, this condition can lead to fainting on the background of a decrease in the minute volume of the heart. A person will need an urgent call of an ambulance for resuscitation.
Constant low heart rate
A low pulse in combination with low blood pressure is a hypotonic condition that, under constant flow, threatens with insufficient blood supply to the brain and internal organs, leading to disturbances in their work. However, if the pulse decreases against the background of normal pressure, the question arises as to the reasons for this process.
Constantly low heart rate is less than 60 beats / min. Indicates the development of bradycardia, which can cause stress, neurosis, pathology of the digestive system, endocrine diseases, sleep disorders, increased potassium levels in the blood and many other reasons. Such a condition can be physiological (for example, in sportsmen, people with a genetic predisposition to a decreased pulse), and pathological (with VSD, hypothyroidism, chronic diseases, post-traumatic period or after surgery). If the pulse stays stubbornly low, this is an occasion to consult a doctor for examination, since the bradycardia is accompanied by a lot of unpleasant sensations: lethargy, apathy, memory and mental deterioration, fast fatigue. In addition, this dangerous condition because of its duration negatively affects the work of all organs and systems and, in the end, can lead to the development of human ischemia, heart attack, stroke.
Low heart rate
Low pulse is dangerous because organs, and, first of all, the brain of a person, receive less oxygen and important nutrients necessary for normal functioning. Thus, the internal organs and systems fail.
Low heart rate from 55 beats / min. And below - this is a pathology, indicating the development of bradycardia. Among the factors provoking slow heart rate - blood loss, dehydration, vomiting, malnutrition and an overdose of certain medications. Often, a weak pulse is a companion of low blood pressure. This phenomenon should not be ignored, since the violation of blood volume and blood flow lead to imbalance in the work of organs and systems. Symptoms that accompany a low heart rate are increased sweating, frequent dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, fainting.
A weak pulse may indicate a severe degree of heart failure due to infection or any internal damage. In such cases, the heart muscle can not normally pump enough blood. There is a disturbance of blood circulation in the body, as a result of which part of the blood returns back to the heart and lungs. This condition leads to a slow heartbeat. As a result, the patient begins to suffer poorly from simple physical exertion, and he has chronic circulatory insufficiency that does not lend itself to conservative methods of treatment.
With a significant reduction in heart rate, it is recommended to consult a doctor right away, because in severe cases a bradycardia can lead to cardiac arrest, development of ischemia, a heart attack or a stroke. If the arrhythmia repeats, while the person is disturbed by other unpleasant sensations (difficulty breathing, chest pain, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness), a visit to the doctor should be immediate.
Low pulse in pregnancy
Low pulse during pregnancy is a very common phenomenon. Usually, women normally tolerate it, but there are cases when with a decrease in the pulse there are unpleasant sensations in the form of dizziness, weakness, fatigue and drowsiness, and in some situations there may be fainting.
A low pulse during pregnancy can be a companion of low blood pressure. If the future mother has only a slightly delayed pulse, which is at least 55-50 beats / min, this state does not represent any threat to the health of the child. To bring the heart rate to normal, the pregnant woman just needs to lie down, relax and have a good rest.
Vigilance should be manifested in those situations when, against the background of a decrease in the pulse, the following symptoms are noted:
- lack of air;
- frequent dizziness;
- strong weakness;
- general malaise;
- headache;
- loss of consciousness.
In such situations, a woman should consult her doctor for additional examination and clarification of the causes of such unpleasant conditions. A future mother should constantly monitor the state of pressure and pulse and, in addition, regularly visit her gynecologist to monitor the course of pregnancy.
Low pulse in the child
A low pulse in children signals a bad blood supply to the body. It should be noted that the indicators of the normal pulse in children of different ages vary. So at birth, the highest rate is observed - 140-160 beats / minute, then a gradual decrease in the pulse is observed. So, to the one-year age of the child, he achieves 120-125 beats / minute, to two-year-olds - 110-115 beats / min. Up to the age of 7, the pulse rate gradually drops to a rate of 90 beats / min.
For children from 8 to 12 years, the norm is a pulse of 80 beats / minute, and after 12 years the norm is a pulse of 70 beats / minute, as in adults. The pulse rate in a child is measured to assess the condition of his heart and blood vessels. A low pulse in a child often indicates the course of various pathological processes in the body.
The causes of bradycardia in children are:
- diseases of the nervous and endocrine system,
- an increase in the tone of the vagus nerve as a result of pathological processes in the myocardium,
- infectious diseases,
- hypothermia of the body,
- hypothyroidism,
- severe intoxication,
- problems with cerebral circulation, etc.
When observing a low pulse, the child should be examined. It is better to do this without delaying the visit to the doctor as soon as possible in order to prevent possible negative consequences for health in time.
Low pulse in adolescent
Low pulse in adolescence is most often associated with intensive development and growth of all the internal organs of the child, including the heart. This is the reason for the decrease in heart rate. In addition, the development of bradycardia can occur due to disruption of metabolic processes, as well as due to adolescent neurosis.
Low pulse in a teenager is often accompanied by such symptoms:
- pain in the chest;
- severe dizziness;
- loss of concentration of attention;
- constant lethargy and weakness;
- fast fatigue, including on the background of minor physical exertion;
- fluctuations in blood pressure;
- difficulty breathing and shortness of breath;
- poor appetite.
If the disease worsens, there may be a loss of consciousness as a result of impaired blood circulation in the brain. Bradycardia in adolescents is often short-lived and relatively easily adjusted by the regime of the day, diet, the optimal combination of the phases of sleep and wakefulness. Of course, if the child complains of a headache and poor state of health, a check should be performed, and if the diagnosis of "bradycardia" is confirmed, then the cardiologist should be observed regularly.
The conduction system of the heart in the adolescent lags behind the myocardium in terms of the rate of development due to the uneven growth of the left and right divisions of the heart. The consequence of this process are functional disorders of the contractile function of the heart muscle. Sinus arrhythmia, bifurcation, extrasystole, palpitations, dyspnea, a decrease in pulse may be noted. A sedentary lifestyle leads to attacks of dizziness, syncope, pain in the chest and abdomen. Teenagers can also experience rapid mood swings, excessive sweating, and red dermographism. This is due to the instability of the endocrine, nervous and autonomic systems, which is characteristic of adolescence.
Low pulse in athletes
Low pulse in trained people, actively involved in sports, is not uncommon. Physiological bradycardia, reaching 50-40 beats / min, and sometimes even lower values, does not pose any threat. Naturally, if there are no other symptoms, in particular, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, faintness, loss of strength, severe weakness, discomfort and pain in the chest. Very often, the pulse of people involved in sports is reduced at night, in a state of complete rest, and is explained by the fact that in the process of full sleep at night, the body's need for oxygen decreases.
Low pulse in athletes is usually associated with the development and increased functionality of their cardiovascular and respiratory systems, which provide the brain and other vital organs with oxygen in sufficient quantities even against the background of a rare heart rate. Physiological bradycardia is absolutely not dangerous to human health, as it does not provoke a decrease in blood supply to the brain and other organs. For this type of bradycardia, no special treatment is required. In the event of any unpleasant symptoms that indicate a pathological process, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Running on a low heart rate
Running on a low pulse, i.e. At a moderate pace, without intensive loads, it allows to achieve positive results in the recovery of the whole organism. Such a run contributes:
- strengthening of the cardiovascular system;
- increase the elasticity of blood vessels;
- strengthening of muscles and joints;
- stimulation of the full functionality of the respiratory system;
- oxygen saturation of internal organs;
- improvement of general tone.
It is recommended to begin a health jog very slowly, practically from a walk, gradually pulling the pulse to the desired level. In general, its rate should not exceed 120 beats / min. This is the optimal level for running on a low pulse. The process of recovery of the body is due to the well-coordinated work of the organism without additional loads, such as those observed during intense running, when glycogen is wasted, so that the products of anaerobic decomposition, in particular lactic acid in muscles, cause discomfort when running.
A low pulse with a healthy run is a prerequisite for achieving positive results. To finish such a run is necessary walking, a slow 2-minute walk.
What is the danger of low pulse?
Low heart rate (bradycardia) often occurs due to a violation of the rhythm of heartbeat due to low blood pressure, pathologies of the digestive system, frequent neuroses, endocrine diseases. Such a symptom can provoke an excess of the potassium level in the blood, as well as an overdose of drugs, in particular beta-blockers - drugs that lower the pressure and activity of the heart muscle.
What is the danger of low pulse? First of all, the fact that due to this pathology there is insufficient blood supply to the brain and internal organs, which can lead to serious disruptions in their work. This process is especially dangerous for elderly people, whose vessels are already badly maintained tonus.
If a breech attack occurs suddenly, you should immediately call an ambulance. Such a state is called "blockade conduction" in another way, and it can cause fatal arrhythmia. Reduction of heart rate to 30 beats / min. Can lead to loss of consciousness. In this case, resuscitative measures (inhalation of sharp odors, lifting of legs, artificial respiration) are desirable even before the ambulance arrives.
Syndrome "sick sinus" (a condition in which the driver of the heart rate can not cope with the work, and the frequency of his impulses is reduced) is a common pathological phenomenon in our time. Identify a similar diagnosis can only be done using Holter ECG scanning (daily monitoring of the heart).
Who to contact?
What to do with a low pulse?
A low pulse, which indicates the pathological processes occurring in the body, should not be left without attention. In this case, you need to undergo a thorough medical examination in order to identify the main causes of bradycardia.
What to do with a low pulse? First of all, an electrocardiogram should be done, and if necessary, another cardiac study. If the decrease in the pulse is caused by hypodynamia, you should take medications that help increase blood pressure, as well as caffeine-containing tonic drinks with the addition of ginseng or guarana.
An innovative method used in modern medicine for pulse correction is electrocardiostimulation, which is reduced to the use of a special sensor in the treatment (the so-called "artificial pacemaker"). Such a sensor is administered subcutaneously, while the operation is absolutely painless for the patient and is harmless for his health.
Particular attention requires a lowered pulse for violations in the functioning of the endocrine system. Concomitant symptoms of this pathological process are constant chills, severe hair loss and brittle nails. Quite often this state occurs in workaholics and has another name - "chronic fatigue syndrome". It provokes a constant fatigue, a psychophysical burden on the body, as a result of which he does not have time to rest properly, and gradually accumulates negative energy. This negatively affects the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Low pulse on the background of high blood pressure is most often a sign of heart disease, therefore requires a special approach to treatment. Especially if as a result of diagnosis in a person revealed hypertension, heart disease, ischemic disease.
It should be taken into account that the human organism reacts sharply to sudden temperature changes, as well as to climate change, which may result in a decrease in the pulse in the process of adaptation of the organism to new conditions. So, a lowered pulse can be the result of a person's long stay in cold water. In this case, he is shown active warming.
What to do with a pulse below 50?
A low heart rate with a heart rate less than 50 beats / min. Is considered a symptom of the disease, which has the medical name "syndrome of weakness of the sinus node". The main feature of this ailment is the slowed heart rate, which is observed at rest, as well as an insufficient increase in this index during exercise.
What to do with a pulse below 50? In a situation where a person does not observe any unpleasant symptoms (dizziness, chest pain, weakness), bradycardia does not require special treatment. However, if the bradycardia is too pronounced, when the pulse rate drops to 30 beats / minute, short-term cardiac arrest may occur. The result is dizziness and pre-stupor, as well as loss of consciousness. Cardiac arrest in this situation does not occur, but seizures are dangerous because when falling during a syncope a person can be seriously injured. Patients with bradycardia, which is accompanied by loss of consciousness (frequent fainting), need a thorough medical examination. Usually, such a survey is carried out under stationary conditions. When the diagnosis of "sinus syndrome weakness syndrome" is confirmed, the patient is implanted with a pacemaker.
If the patient has a pronounced bradycardia of a permanent nature, moreover, in the daytime and with repeated episodes of fainting, an additional medical examination is usually not required. The patient is implanted with a pacemaker without previous cardiac tests.
Treatment of low heart rate
A low pulse should be adjusted based on the underlying cause of the disease that caused this symptom. This applies only to pathological bradycardia, - the physiological does not pose a threat to human life, so it does not require special treatment.
Treatment of low heart rate should take into account many factors, the main one of which is elimination of the disease and normalization of the heart rate. Usually in the treatment of bradycardia, drugs such as:
- Atenolol,
- Alupent,
- Atropine,
- Euphyllinum.
Of course, you can not take medication yourself, because these drugs can cause cardiac arrhythmia. The appointment of an optimal medication and treatment regimen should be considered by an experienced doctor.
In severe cases, bradycardia is a condition in which the heart rate is 40 beats / min. And less, the patient is implanted with an electrocardiostimulator - a special sensor, whose task is to increase the number of heartbeats to normal. The process of increasing the heart rate is carried out by means of electronic pulses sent by the pacemaker. The device is injected subcutaneously, under the large pectoral muscle. The operation is not particularly complicated and, in fact, painless. Electrodes are placed inside the heart chambers. With the help of the programmer, the pacemaker modes are set.
How to raise a low pulse?
A low pulse often causes anxiety and excitement in a person who first encounters such a symptom.
The first question that arises in this situation is "How to raise the low pulse?" First of all, such a problem as fluctuating heart rhythm requires consultation with a specialized doctor. Only setting the right diagnosis by medical examination will tell you which direction to follow in order to eliminate the problem of low heart rate. If the doctor does not reveal a serious pathology, he will give useful advice and recommendations about what to do at home to normalize the pulse.
One common way to do this is to use a mustard plaster. Usually it is put for a few minutes on a body area located just to the right of the heart. Usually the optimal time for such a procedure is 3 minutes. Do not manipulate too often, it can lead to negative consequences.
Good help to normalize the pulse of caffeinated drinks, as well as decoctions of ginseng and guarana. With a low pulse against a background of low blood pressure, a possible cause of this condition is dysfunction of the thyroid gland. In this case, the help of an endocrinologist is needed, which, taking into account the results of thyroid ultrasound examinations, hormones, etc., will prescribe an effective treatment aimed also at normalizing the pulse. Thus, increasing the pulse is a matter of the specialist, only timely consultation of the doctor and his prescriptions will help get rid of the causal pathology and unpleasant symptom.
What to take with a low pulse?
A low pulse often causes such unpleasant sensations as dizziness, sharp weakness, confusion of consciousness. To find out the main cause of the ailment, you need to undergo a medical examination.
Many people are interested in the question: "What to take with a low pulse?" Only the doctor should prescribe medications for normalizing the pulse. Observe their intake and dosage should be strictly according to the prescriptions, as excess doses can provoke a sharp increase in blood pressure.
With regard to mild indisposition associated with a breech attack, then at a pulse of 55-50 beats / min. You can drink a cup of hot black tea or ground coffee. The natural caffeine, which is contained in them, will begin its immediate effect. To enhance the effects of caffeine-containing beverages, you can add a few drops of ginseng, eleutherococcus or belladonna tinctures (10-15 drops) in the pharmacy. In severe bradycardia accompanied by a lowering of the pulse to 35 beats / min, it is not recommended to engage in any alternative methods of treatment. This is a very dangerous condition that requires the intervention of doctors and careful examination in a hospital. Therefore, in case of a severe bradycardia attack, it is necessary immediately to call "ambulance".
Drugs with low pulse
A low pulse should be treated only in cases of its obvious clinical manifestations, when a person has pronounced violations of the hemodynamic process.
Drugs with a low pulse rate, which is 40 beats / minute, should be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the dynamics of the disease that caused this pathological process. Usually the following medicines are used to increase the pulse:
- Atropine (administered intravenously or subcutaneously every 3 hours);
- Alupent (intravenously - in the isotonic solution of sodium chloride, or orally - in tablets of 20 mg);
- Isoproterenol (by infusion);
- Isadrin (intravenously - as part of a 5% solution of glucose).
In the treatment of bradycardia, which has no significant negative symptoms, well-proven preparations of belladonna, as well as extracts of ginseng and eleutherococcus (the dosage of the drugs is selected individually, taking into account the patient's condition). If the patient has contraindications to the use of Atropine or Isadrin, he is prescribed Ipratropium bromide or Ephedrine hydrochloride in tablets.
In the acute course of bradycardia, caused by a sharp violation of the conductivity of the pulse, the patient must be urgently hospitalized. In this case, in-patient treatment is required, the main task of which is to eliminate the causes that caused a decrease in the heart rate. Often, the bradycardia is associated with the patient's age and natural aging (usually in the body after 55-60 years irreversible processes occur). If the therapy seemed ineffective, the method of electrocardiostimulation is used. In this case, the patient is implanted subcutaneously with a special device, whose action is aimed at normalizing the number of cardiac contractions.
Help with low heart rate
A low pulse can manifest as an individual feature of the body, or be a symptom of a serious heart disease, for example, myocardial infarction. Everything depends on the person's condition, the pulse rate, the course of the bradycardia attack.
Low pulse assistance usually comes down to calling an ambulance, especially if the heart rate is very low. A patient with an attack of bradycardia accompanied by loss of consciousness is hospitalized. In the case of diagnosing a pathological bradycardia - a condition that poses a serious threat to human health, the patient is implanted with an artificial sensor - the pacemaker.
If the pulse is slightly lowered, it is necessary to pass a survey to identify the main cause of this condition. Self-medication is not recommended, the more you can not take any medications without first consulting a doctor. It is also important to measure blood pressure and take a blood test in order to have an understanding of the state of the body.
To increase the pulse, sympathomimetics and anticholinergics can be prescribed - drugs that should be taken under the strict supervision of the doctor, as they can cause other heart problems, in particular, ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. Help with a slightly lowered heart rate at home reduces to taking tonic drinks that contain caffeine, which helps increase blood pressure and, at the same time, increase the heart rate.
Alternative means at low pulse
A low pulse can be treated with well-proven alternative means, if its causes are established, and the doctor allowed the use of such remedies.
So, alternative means with a low pulse:
- Radish and honey. Radish juice with the addition of honey helps to speed up the heartbeat. From the radish you need to cut off the tip and make a small groove, cutting off a little pulp. Then you need to put honey in it and leave it in the glass for the night. In the morning, the resulting syrup should be divided into three doses and consumed throughout the day.
- Lemon and garlic. They are considered the most effective means for fighting bradycardia. To prepare a healing agent, you need to use 10 lemons, squeeze out the juice from them and add the chopped garlic (10 heads). In the resulting mixture add 1 liter of honey, insist, take 4 teaspoons on an empty stomach, slowly dissolving the portion for a minute.
- Walnuts. To prepare the recipe you need to use 0.5 kg of purified kernels, add sesame oil and sugar (1 glass each). Separately pour 1 liter of boiling water 4 lemons, cut into 4 parts, mix all the ingredients. Ready mixture take half an hour before meals three times a day for 1 tbsp. Spoon.
- Motherwort. The motherwort juice should be taken by dissolving 30-40 drops in 1 tbsp. Spoon of water. It is very effective at a weak pulse, neurosis of the heart, dyspnea.
- Shoots of pine. For the preparation of alcohol tincture from young shoots of pine need 70 branches and 300 ml of vodka. Infuse the sun for 10 days, then take the finished product in 20 drops.
- Dog-rose fruit. 10 large hips should be boiled in 0.5 liters of water for 15 minutes. Decoction to cool, wipe the berries through a sieve and mix with 3 teaspoons of honey. Take the finished product you need every day for half a cup before meals.
To increase the pulse use a common yellow card. It should be placed in the chest area, closer to the right side. Burning sensation will act as a stimulant for blood flow and, accordingly, increase the number of cardiac contractions.
Caffeine-containing drinks (coffee, strong tea) are good for lowering the pulse, but they can raise the pressure. Therefore, if low pulse is accompanied by high blood pressure, caffeine intake is contraindicated. Tonic beverages based on eleutherococcus, guarana or ginseng have an effect similar to that of caffeine.
[29], [30], [31], [32], [33], [34]
Corvalol with low pulse
Low pulse is caused by nervous disorders, stresses and dysfunctions of the autonomic system of the body. In such cases, a person may experience irritability, insomnia, and cardiovascular disorders.
Corvalol with a low pulse can help only if the bradycardia is caused by nervous disorders, neurosis of the heart, increased pressure. Usually this drug is prescribed for tachycardia. The composition of the drug includes the root of valerian, mint oil and phenobarbital (hypnotic). The medicine has a calming (sedative) and vasodilating effect, normalizes blood pressure, reduces nervous anxiety, excessive irritability, restores lost sleep, improves blood circulation, and also helps normalize the work of the heart.
The listed effects of this drug develop very quickly (10-15 minutes after its administration) and last for quite some time - for 6-8 hours. The usual dosage is 15-30 drops on an empty stomach 2 or 3 times a day. In large doses, Corvalol has a more pronounced hypnotic effect.
A low pulse requires a special approach to treatment, so when observing bradycardia, you should consult your doctor for diagnosis as soon as possible. Only the results of medical research will show the true cause of the development of this pathology and help determine the effective methods of therapy.
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