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Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

Also called: Bradycardia, slow heart rate, slow pulse

A heart rate under 60 beats a minute. It's normal in athletes and during sleep, but can cause tiredness or fainting if the heart's electrical system is slow.

Normal inAthletes, sleep
Concern ifDizziness, fainting
TreatmentMedicine change or pacemaker

Overview

Some medicines like beta blockers slow the heart.

Low thyroid can cause it.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Slow heart rate

Less common

  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness

When to get medical care

Call 911Fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Get care todayDizziness with a slow pulse.
See a doctor soonSlow pulse with tiredness.

Causes

Aging heart, medicines.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Older age

Possible complications

Diagnosis

Tests check heart rhythm.

Questions you may be asked

  • Medicines

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • ECG:
  • Heart monitor:
  • Thyroid test:

Treatment

Find the cause.

Self-care

  • Review medicines
  • Check your pulse when dizzy
  • Stand up slowly

A pacemaker for heart block.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • Review medicines regularly

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a cardiologist (heart doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Athletes: A slow pulse is often healthy.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • This condition needs closer checkups during pregnancy. Plan ahead with your doctor.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Pacemakers fix most serious cases.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Do I need a heart monitor?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.