Low Heart Rate in Elderly Adults

Just like any other muscle in the body, the heart begins to weaken and lose efficacy as we age. One of the possible results of this natural aging process is that the heart rate might slow down, potentially to dangerously low levels. The medical term for a low heart rate is bradycardia, which means the resting heart rate is below 60 bpm. Bradycardia can be a serious cause for concern for elderly adults, so understanding what it is, what causes it, and what it means are important to maintaining heart health as we age.

What Could Cause a Low Heart Rate?

In a few instances, a low heart rate is not concerning. Our heart rate naturally drops when we sleep, and some very physically fit athletes have a lower-than-average heart rate thanks to their training. A low heart rate in an elderly adult, though, is typically a sign that something is wrong. 

When the heart rate is low, the heart cannot pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the entire body. This is likely to make you feel tired, dizzy, or short of breath. Some of the other symptoms of a low heart rate or low pulse in elderly adults can include:

• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Feeling very tired, especially during physical activity
• Fainting or near-fainting

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor. If the symptoms, particularly chest pain, last more than a few minutes, you should call 911. When it comes to an elderly heart, it is always better to overreact. 

Causes of a low heart rate can include:

• Heart tissue damage related to aging
• Damage to the heart from a heart attack or heart disease
• A congenital heart defect (a condition you are born with)
• Inflammation of the heart called myocarditis
• A complication from heart surgery
• Some forms of sleep apnea
• Inflammatory diseases like lupus
• Certain medications, including beta blockers and medications for mental health
• Low levels of potassium or calcium

Determining the cause of the low heart rate will help determine a treatment plan. If your doctor suspects you have a low heart rate, they may recommend different tests to determine what exactly is going on with your heart. Those tests can include things like:

• An electrocardiogram, which you likely know as an EKG, will measure the electrical activity in the heart. This is the main test used to diagnose bradycardia. 
• Blood tests to check for infection or low levels or potassium or calcium. A blood test can also check the thyroid.
• A Holter monitor is a portable EKG device that your doctor may ask you to wear at home for one or two days to record heart activity during daily activities. 
• A stress test will indicate if the heart struggles during exercises. 
• A sleep study would be useful to determine if sleep apnea is a cause of bradycardia. 

How to Increase a Low Heart Rate

Treatment for low heart rate depends on the severity. It may be as simple as making some lifestyle changes or adjusting some medications. A pacemaker may also be used. A pacemaker is a small device placed surgically under the skin. If the heart rate becomes too slow (or too fast), the pacemaker can send out an electrical pulse to adjust the beat of the heart. 

If you or an elderly loved one is experiencing any symptoms you think may be bradycardia, speak to your doctor. We want to do everything we can to keep our hearts healthy as we age, and keeping an eye out for any potential concerning symptoms is an important step in that process. 

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