Is Your Heart Beating Too Slowly? A Kolkata Cardiologist Explains 5 Silent Warning Signs of Bradycardia
When a Slow Heartbeat Is More Than Just “Good Fitness”
Many people are told a slow heartbeat is a sign of good health—especially if they exercise regularly. But for some, that “calm” pulse hides a condition called bradycardia, where the heart beats too slowly to supply enough blood and oxygen to the body. A Kolkata-based cardiologist, Dr. Kumar, has been seeing more patients who mistake warning signs for simple tiredness or aging.
In this guide, we’ll look at what bradycardia is, the five key warning signs to watch for, common causes and risk factors, and when to seek urgent medical help—without creating unnecessary panic. The goal is to help you understand your heartbeat, not fear it.
What Is Bradycardia?
Bradycardia simply means a slower-than-normal heart rate—typically defined as a resting heart rate of under 60 beats per minute (bpm) in adults. However, the number alone is not the full story.
In some people—such as athletes, regular walkers, or those who practice yoga and meditation—a lower resting heart rate can be normal and healthy. The concern arises when the heart is too slow for your body’s needs, leading to poor circulation and symptoms.
- Normal resting heart rate: roughly 60–100 bpm for most adults.
- Physiological (normal) bradycardia: e.g., well-trained athletes, deep sleep, meditation.
- Pathological bradycardia: slow rate due to heart’s electrical system problems, medications, or illness.
“A number under 60 is not automatically dangerous. I worry more when a slow pulse is accompanied by dizziness, fatigue, or fainting—that’s when patients should not ignore it.”
— Dr. Kumar, Consultant Cardiologist, Kolkata
5 Warning Signs Your Heart May Be Beating Too Slowly
Dr. Kumar highlights that many people with bradycardia initially dismiss their symptoms as “just getting older” or “having a long day.” Here are five red-flag symptoms that deserve attention, especially when they occur repeatedly.
- Unusual Fatigue or Low Energy
If everyday tasks—climbing a flight of stairs, walking to the market, or doing housework—suddenly feel exhausting, a slow heart rate could be part of the reason. When the heart pumps too slowly, your muscles and brain may not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. - Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Feeling like the room is spinning, or as if you might black out when you stand up, can be a sign that your blood pressure is dropping due to an abnormally slow heart rhythm. - Fainting (Syncope) or Near-Fainting
Brief loss of consciousness, or “blacking out,” is one of the more serious warning signs. With bradycardia, the brain may not get enough blood flow for a few seconds, leading to a fainting spell. - Shortness of Breath, Especially on Exertion
If you find yourself gasping for air or needing frequent breaks during mild activities, your slow pulse might not be keeping up with your body’s demand for oxygen. - Chest Discomfort, Confusion, or Trouble Concentrating
Chest pain or pressure always needs urgent attention, regardless of heart rate. In bradycardia, some people also notice “brain fog” or difficulty focusing because of reduced blood flow to the brain.
A Real-Life Case: “I Thought It Was Just Age”
Dr. Kumar recently saw a 64-year-old retired teacher from Kolkata who had been feeling drained for months. She blamed her tiredness and occasional dizziness on “crossing 60” and caring for her grandchildren. On a routine visit, her family physician noticed her pulse was just 42 bpm and referred her to a cardiologist.
An ECG and further tests showed sinus node dysfunction, a type of bradycardia where the heart’s natural pacemaker misfires. After reviewing her medications and overall health, Dr. Kumar recommended a pacemaker. Within weeks of the procedure, her energy and confidence returned.
Not every person with bradycardia needs a pacemaker, but this case highlights why ignoring persistent symptoms can delay simple, effective treatment.
Why Might Your Heart Be Beating Too Slowly?
The heart’s electrical system controls when and how each heartbeat occurs. Bradycardia can happen when this system slows down or gets blocked. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Age-related changes: The natural pacemaker (sinus node) or conduction pathways can degenerate over time.
- Heart disease: Prior heart attack, coronary artery disease, myocarditis, or cardiomyopathy can affect electrical pathways.
- Medications: Certain drugs—like beta-blockers, some calcium channel blockers, digoxin, and anti-arrhythmic medications—can slow the heart rate.
- Electrolyte imbalances: Abnormal potassium, calcium, or magnesium levels may disrupt electrical signals.
- Thyroid disorders: Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a well-known contributor to slower heartbeats.
- Sleep apnoea: Breathing pauses during sleep can trigger rhythm disturbances, including bradycardia.
- Autonomic nervous system problems: Disorders affecting the nerves that control heart rate.
- High fitness levels: In athletes and very active people, a resting heart rate of 40–60 bpm may be normal and symptom-free.
When Is a Slow Heartbeat Normal vs. Dangerous?
It can be confusing to hear that athletes have slow heart rates and are healthy, while others with similar numbers need treatment. The context matters.
Often Normal (If Symptom-Free)
- Resting heart rate 50–60 bpm in a person who exercises regularly.
- Lower heart rate during deep sleep.
- Brief slowing with relaxation, meditation, or deep breathing.
Potentially Dangerous (Needs Evaluation)
- Resting heart rate < 50 bpm in a non-athlete, especially with symptoms.
- Any slow rate associated with dizziness, fainting, breathlessness, or chest discomfort.
- New-onset bradycardia after a medication change or heart event.
How Doctors Diagnose Bradycardia
If you or your wearable device notice a consistently slow heart rate, a cardiologist will usually follow a stepwise, evidence-based approach.
- Detailed history and physical exam
Your doctor will ask about symptoms, duration, medications, sleep patterns, and other health conditions. - Pulse and blood pressure check
Simple but essential measurements to confirm the heart rate and circulation status. - Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
A quick, painless test that records the heart’s electrical signals and identifies specific bradycardia patterns or conduction blocks. - Holter monitor or wearable patch
A 24–72 hour or longer continuous ECG recording helps catch intermittent slow rhythms that may be missed in a clinic. - Blood tests
To check thyroid function, electrolytes, and other factors that could be corrected without heart procedures. - Echocardiogram
An ultrasound of the heart to see pumping function, valve issues, or structural problems.
Treatment Options: From Watchful Waiting to Pacemakers
Not everyone with bradycardia needs aggressive treatment. Management is personalised and usually follows these principles:
- No treatment, just monitoring
If you have a slow but steady heart rate, feel well, and tests are reassuring, doctors may simply monitor you with periodic check-ups. - Adjusting or stopping medications
When drugs like beta-blockers or certain blood pressure tablets are the cause, the prescriber may lower the dose or change to an alternative, under close supervision. - Treating underlying conditions
Correcting thyroid problems, managing sleep apnoea, or addressing infections or electrolyte imbalances often improves the heart rate. - Pacemaker implantation
For symptomatic bradycardia due to persistent sinus node dysfunction or heart block, a small device called a pacemaker may be recommended. It sits under the skin, usually near the collarbone, and sends gentle electrical impulses to keep the heart from going too slow.
“People are often anxious when they hear ‘pacemaker,’ but for the right patient it can be life-changing—restoring energy, preventing blackouts, and allowing a safer, more active life.”
— Dr. Kumar, Consultant Cardiologist, Kolkata
How to Check Your Heart Rate Safely at Home
You don’t need fancy gadgets to get a rough idea of your heart rate. Here’s a simple, cardiologist-approved method.
- Sit and rest for at least 5 minutes in a quiet room.
- Find your pulse at the wrist (radial pulse) by placing your index and middle finger on the thumb-side of the wrist, or at the neck (carotid pulse) just beside the windpipe. Do not press both sides of the neck at once.
- Count the beats for 30 seconds using a watch or timer.
- Multiply by 2 to get your beats per minute (bpm).
- Repeat at another time of day if the reading seems unusually low or high.
Lifestyle Steps to Support a Healthy Heart Rhythm
While lifestyle changes alone cannot fix all types of bradycardia—especially those needing pacemakers—they do support overall heart health and may prevent additional problems.
- Stay physically active with regular walking, cycling, or light cardio as advised by your doctor.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats, while limiting excess salt and deep-fried foods.
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol, both of which can disturb heart rhythm and damage blood vessels.
- Sleep well and seek assessment for loud snoring or suspected sleep apnoea.
- Manage stress with practices like yoga, mindfulness, or counselling.
- Keep regular follow-ups if you already have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a pacemaker.
Common Obstacles & How to Overcome Them
Many people hesitate to seek help for a slow pulse or symptoms of bradycardia. Dr. Kumar notes a few recurring themes in his Kolkata practice:
- “It’s just aging”
While energy levels do change with age, sudden or progressive fatigue, dizziness, or fainting are not normal. If something feels wrong, it’s worth getting checked. - Fear of procedures or pacemakers
Modern pacemakers are smaller and more reliable than ever. Your cardiologist will explain the benefits, risks, and alternatives so you can make an informed choice. - Confusion from online information
Online sources can be helpful but also overwhelming. Focus on reputable organisations and your own doctor’s advice rather than alarming anecdotes.
Listening to Your Pulse Without Living in Fear
Your heart doesn’t just keep you alive—it also sends early clues when something is off. A slow heartbeat, or bradycardia, is not always dangerous, but it should never be ignored when it comes with symptoms like tiredness, dizziness, fainting, breathlessness, or chest discomfort.
If you recognise yourself in the warning signs described here, consider this your gentle nudge to take the next step:
- Note your symptoms and when they occur.
- Check your resting pulse a few times on different days.
- Book an appointment with your doctor or a cardiologist for a proper evaluation.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. With the right information, timely testing, and evidence-based care, many people with bradycardia go on to live active, fulfilling lives. Listening to your heartbeat today could protect your tomorrows.
