A person’s heart rate is the number of times their heart beats per minute (BPM). According to the American Heart Association, a normal adult resting heart rate is between 60 beats per minute (BPM) and 100 BPM for people 15 years and older.
A resting heart rate below 60 BPM is considered a heart rate that is too slow (also called bradycardia). However, what’s considered too slow can depend on a person’s age and physical condition.
Heart rate may fall below 60 BPM during sleep, which is normal.
Elderly people and those who take medications such as beta-blockers are more prone to bradycardia.
A slow heart rate can also be common in athletes and those who are physically fit.
Causes of a slow heart rate may include:
- Problems in the conduction pathways of the heart that don’t allow electrical impulses to pass properly from the atria to the ventricles
- Problems with the sinoatrial (SA) node, considered the heart’s natural pacemaker
- Heart damage from heart disease or a heart attack
- Some heart medications that have slow heart rate as a side effect
- Metabolic problems such as low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism)
What Are Symptoms of a Slow Heart Rate?
A slow heart rate (bradycardia) may cause inadequate blood flow to the brain which can result in symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting (or near-fainting) spells
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Difficulty exercising
- Cardiac arrest (in severe cases)
What Is the Treatment for a Slow Heart Rate?
If a slow heart rate (bradycardia) only occurs sometimes or is borderline slow, treatment may not be needed.
Athletes and people who are physically fit and who have a slow heart rate do not need treatment.
Treatment for severe or prolonged slow heart rate may include:
- Adjusting or stopping medications that cause slow heart rate as a side effect
- Never stop taking a medication or change the dosage or regimen without first talking to your doctor
- Pacemaker to regulate the heart’s rhythm
What Are Normal Heart Rates by Age?
To find your heart rate, check your pulse, which can be felt on your:
- Wrists
- Inside of the elbow
- Side of the neck
- Top of the foot
Place your finger (not your thumb) over your pulse and count the number of beats in 60 seconds to get your heart rate.
| Age Range | Heart Rate (beats per minute, or BPM) |
|---|---|
| Newborn | 100-160 |
| 0-5 months | 90-150 |
| 6-12 months | 80-140 |
| 1-3 years | 80-130 |
| 3-5 years | 80-120 |
| 6-10 years | 70-110 |
| 11-14 years | 60-105 |
| 15 years and older | 60-100 |
From 
Image source: iStock Images
https://www.heart.org/
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2172054-overview#a2
https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/measuring/heartrate.htm
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/bradycardia--slow-heart-rate
https://www.upmc.com/services/south-central-pa/heart-vascular/heart/heart-rhythm-disorders/bradycardia