When it comes to elderly patients, a slow heart rate may be normal—or risky. Rates as low as 40 beats/minute may be normal and simply result from a decreased response to either epinephrine or beta-adrenergic stimulation. Or such slow rates may result from a dangerous arrhythmia.

What is considered a dangerously low pulse rate?

When the heart does not operate as it is supposed to and develops an abnormally slow heart rate that is less than 60 beats per minute, the condition is known as bradycardia. Bradycardia can be life threatening if the heart is unable to maintain a rate that pumps enough oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.

What does a low pulse tell you?

For some people, a slow heart rate does not cause any problems. It can be a sign of being very fit. Healthy young adults and athletes often have heart rates of less than 60 beats a minute. In other people, bradycardia is a sign of a problem with the heart’s electrical system.

What should an elderly woman’s pulse be?

The normal resting heart rate for adults over the age of 10 years, including older adults, is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). Highly trained athletes may have a resting heart rate below 60 bpm, sometimes reaching 40 bpm. The resting heart rate can vary within this normal range.

What causes a low heart rate in the elderly?

When it comes to elderly patients, a slow heart rate may be normal—or risky. Rates as low as 40 beats/minute may be normal and simply result from a decreased response to either epinephrine or beta-adrenergic stimulation. Or such slow rates may result from a dangerous arrhythmia.

What should I do if my heart rate is low?

Exercise: The easiest and most effective way to achieve a lasting lower heart rate is to do regular exercise. 2. Stay hydrated: When the body is dehydrated, the heart has to work harder to stabilize blood flow. Throughout the day, drink plenty of sugar- and caffeine-free beverages, such as water and herbal tea.

Can dehydration cause low heart rate?

Dehydration, Heart Rate, and Heart Health The amount of blood circulating through your body, or blood volume, decreases when you are dehydrated. To compensate, your heart beats faster, increasing your heart rate and causing you to feel palpitations.

What is a low heart rate for a woman?

A normal resting heart rate for most people is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). A resting heart rate slower than 60 bpm is considered bradycardia.

How do you raise your pulse rate?

Ways to get your heart rate up

1. Set an incline. If you’re on the treadmill increase the incline.
2. Take the stairs. Just like adding an incline, stairs bring a new challenge to your workout.
3. Alter your pace.
4. Take shorter breaks.

What is a good pulse rate for a 90 year old woman?

For most adults — including senior adults — a normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Athletes may find their heart rates lower, between 40 to 60 beats per minute.

When should I worry about bradycardia?

Adults and children who have a low pulse and experience severe symptoms, such as chest pain or fainting, should also go to the hospital. A person should see a doctor for bradycardia when: they experience an unexplained change in heart rate that lasts for several days.

Is a low resting heart rate good?

For most people, a heart rate of 60 to 100 beats a minute while at rest is considered normal. If your heart beats less than 60 times a minute, it is slower than normal. A slow heart rate can be normal and healthy. Or it could be a sign of a problem with the heart’s electrical system.

Is slow pulse bad?

For most people, a heart rate of 60 – 100 bpm while at rest is normal. If your heart beats less than 60 times a minute, it is slower than normal. For some people, a slow heart rate does not cause any problems. It can be a sign of being very fit.

Can low pulse cause stroke?

Taken together it’s referred to as bradycardia-tachycardia, or tachy-brady, syndrome. This is a type of sick sinus syndrome, and can be associated with the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation and raise a person’s risk for complications that include stroke and sudden death, or cardiac arrest.

At what heart rate should you go to the hospital?

If you’re sitting down and feeling calm, your heart shouldn’t beat more than about 100 times per minute. A heartbeat that’s faster than this, also called tachycardia, is a reason to come to the emergency department and get checked out. We often see patients whose hearts are beating 160 beats per minute or more.