Resting heart rate: Can you get a heart attack if you record less than 100 beats per minute?

The resting heart rate, or the number of times a heart beats per minute while at rest, is an important indicator of overall heart health. A normal resting heart rate for adults typically falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute. A low resting heart rate, especially below 60 beats per minute, can be associated with a common heart health condition known as bradycardia.

According to Dr. Anoop Gupta, Interventional Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist, Epic Hospital, Ahmedabad, “Bradycardia can be a serious problem if the heart rate is very slow and the heart can't pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body. If this happens, the individual may feel dizzy, very tired or weak, and short of breath.”

There are several factors that contribute to a low resting heart rate. It is important to understand these factors, the risk associated with a low heart rate, and the ways in which it can be managed.

Factors that contribute to a low resting heart rate
A low resting heart rate can be caused by various factors, including:
Older Age High blood pressure
Smoking
Heavy alcohol use
Stress and anxiety
Fitness level
Medications
Health conditions or comorbidities

Risks Associated with a Low Resting Heart Rate
While a low resting heart rate may be normal for some individuals, it can also be a sign of an underlying health issue. A consistently low resting heart rate, particularly below 60 beats per minute, can increase the risk of:

Heart failure: A low resting heart rate can indicate a weakened heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure.
Bradycardia: Feelings of fatigue, dizziness, and fainting could be caused by a slow heartbeat, which is a common condition called bradycardia.
Atrial fibrillation: A low heartbeat can also increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, a condition where the heart's upper chambers (atria) beat irregularly.

Ways to Manage Your Resting Heart RateThere are several ways to manage your resting heart rate and promote better heart health. Here are some ways that can help manage a low resting heart rate:

Lifestyle changes: To maintain heart health and lower the resting heart rate, one must follow a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, taking a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, avoiding alcohol and tobacco use, and managing stress.

Medications: Apart from lifestyle changes, medications can help control the heart rate, such as beta blockers or antidysrhythmic.
Using a Pacemaker: A pacemaker is a small device that can help regulate the heartbeat. It can be implanted under the skin of the chest to help manage the heart rate if it's too slow.

A low resting heart rate can be a sign of good health, but it can also indicate underlying health issues. Understanding the factors that contribute to a low resting heart rate and ways to lower a resting heart rate can promote better heart health.

Disclaimer – “Issued in public interest and for educational purposes only. The content of this article is not meant to provide medical or clinical advice. Please consult your doctor for more information.”

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