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When a person is at rest, the heart normally beats at a rate that is within a relatively narrow range. This range is usually 60 to 100 beats per minute in adults, slightly faster in children, and somewhat slower in trained athletes.
With certain conditions, however, the heart rate may decrease below a healthy range. When the heart beats lower than the healthy range, the body may not get all the blood it needs to work correctly. This can affect a person's overall health and energy levels.
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
A person with a slow heartbeat may have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
# chest pain
# excessive sweating
# fatigue or weakness
# lightheadedness or dizziness
# palpitations, which are an unusual awareness of the heartbeat
# passing out or fainting
# shortness of breathWhat are the causes and risks of the condition?
There are many possible causes of a slow heartbeat, including:
Regular exercise can also result in a slow heartbeat. This happens because the exercise has actually strengthened the heart to the point where it can beat less often and still perform its job effectively. In this case, the slow heartbeat is not a cause for concern.
Other causes are also possible. Sometimes no cause can be found.
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Most cases cannot be prevented. Medicines should be taken exactly as prescribed. The doses should not be more than the healthcare professional has prescribed.
Many thanks for your response. After the shock of finding out I had high blood pressure this morning I went out and bought a blood pressure monitor. I have tried it twice and got the following readings: 1st time pulse rate 41 systolic 134 diastolic 94 2nd time pulse rate 39 systolic 132 diastolic 93. I'm hoping the high blood pressure might just be stress related and will come down over the next few days.
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Posted by Fellrunner
Hi, I have just got back from the doctors this morning and my blood pressure was 178/98 but my pulse rate was 46. I am 36 years old and I'm currently training for an Ironman triathlon next year. I consider myself to be fit and healthy. I don't drink, smoke or take drugs or any medication and regularly train 6 times a week. The past few weeks I have been experiencing slight tightening in the left side of my chest and a dull ache down my left arm. If I stand too quickly I get quite dizzy and disorientated and sometimes have this same sensation when sat down. The doc has given me Nitromin spray as an interim measure until they found out what the problem is. I have to go back for an ECG on 5th Jan and then blood tests on 8th Jan. There is a history of high blood pressure in the family, my dad, brother and grandmother. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.