What does a low pulse rate mean?
August 21st, 2010
I am being asked to take my blood pressure and lose weight for the next three months.I get very nervous at the doctors and I think that this makes my readings different. I did as I was asked and bought a blood pressure monitor and took my blood pressure and pulse. My blood pressure was 120/78 and my pulse was 54. Thanks
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One can measure the number of times the heart beats per minute, by feeling the pulse. The pulse rate is the regular expansion and contraction of an artery as the blood is pumped by the contractions of the heart. It is an indication to show how healthy your heart is. The pulse beat can be felt at the neck, the groin, the top of the feet and the wrist. People usually measure the pulse in the wrist, also known as the radial pulse.
To check the pulse rate, you should count the number of times the pulse beats for 10 seconds. Once you get the number, multiply it by 6. This will give you your heart rate per minute. For example, if there are 11 pulse beats per 10 seconds, multiply: 11X 6=66 beats per minute.
A pulse rate between 60 and 90 is considered to be normal. There are athletes and fitness freaks having an astoundingly low pulse rate of 40-60, which means the pulse rate is quite good. The pulse rate below 60, in medical parlance is called as "bradycardias." Though a low pulse rate is a sign of healthy heart, trouble brews in when a slow pulse is accompanied by other warning signs. When the pulse rate becomes slow, it implies that the heart is pumping slowly than normal. If the person experiences fatigue, weakness and dizziness, then the low pulse rate is not a good thing to have. In fact a low pulse rate with symptoms like fatigue and weakness can even lead to cardiac arrest, if not kept in check.
It is not just the heart which can cause a low pulse rate. A drop in the body temperature (Hypothermia) can also cause low pulse, and so can extreme malnutrition. The condition of the thyroid hormone secreting minimal hormone can also cause a low pulse rate. However, if you have a low pulse rate and there are no accompanying above mentioned symptoms, it means that you are in the pink of health.
Your BP is normal, and the pulse…very good
athletic people tend to have a lower heart rate, 54 is a good number. if it drops to the 40’s or less then you should def see a cardiologist. if it turns into a problem there are several ways to help fix it, dont worry
A heart rate of 54 is within normal limits and nothing to worry about esp if your blood pressure readings are normal.
A slow heart rate is sometimes normal and can be a sign of being very fit. Healthy young adults and athletes often have heart rates of less than 60 beats a minute.
A very slow heart rate ( bradycardia for heart rate below 60 is considered symptomatic which may cause you to:
Feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Feel short of breath and find it harder to exercise.
Feel tired.
Have chest pain or a feeling that your heart is pounding or fluttering (palpitations).
Feel confused or have trouble concentrating.
Faint, if a slow heart rate causes a drop in blood pressure
Controlling your weight via exercise and diet will certainly address any blood pressure problems.