A low heart rate (bradycardia) is generally considered when the heart beats fewer than 60 times per minute. You don't usually need to worry about a low heart rate if you are not experiencing symptoms, especially if you are young, healthy, or an athlete, as it can be normal and even a sign of efficient heart function. However, it is important to be concerned and seek medical advice if a low heart rate is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, or extreme fatigue. A heart rate that drops very low (such as into the 30s or below 40 bpm) can lead to insufficient oxygen reaching the brain and other organs, which can cause serious health problems like fainting or heart failure. In summary, worry about low heart rate when it is below 60 bpm and you have related symptoms or if the heart rate is extremely low (below 40 bpm) even without symptoms. In such cases, a healthcare provider should be consulted for further evaluation and possible treatment.
