To understand what is a low pulse rate and what could cause it, scroll down. I have tried to explain most of the causes that are most related. Our pulse determines our heart health. Most of us remember our pulse being read every time we went to a clinic. It still happens. The doctor holds up your inner wrist and checks his/her watch, and tells us we are fine. That is because our pulse rate tells him so. In medical terms, an individual's pulse is the arterial palpation of a heartbeat, and for the rest of us it is the number of heartbeats per second that is felt because of the pressure waves generated by the cardiac systole that move the artery walls. The pulse rate can be checked by feeling the carotid artery(neck), radial artery (wrist), brachial artery(innner side of elbow), posterior tibial artery (near the ankle joint) and popliteal artery (behind the knee). A normal pulse rate for a healthy adult, at rest can range from 60 to 100 beats per minute (BPM). So does that make a low pulse rate unhealthy? not necessarily.

Pulse Rate
The heart rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute, which can be felt through the pulse, so basically the pulse rate one feels is actually the heart beat. If the heart is not beating very fast and is relaxed one will experience a low pulse rate, which is healthy, as the heart muscle is not beating too hard to do its job. So every time one exerts themselves mentally or physically, the heart beats faster, which means you have a higher pulse rate. Hence, it is normal for the pulse rate to increase or decrease during the day, depending upon the activity at hand. The medical term for a low pulse rate (below 50BPM) and a high pulse rate (above 100 BPM) is bradycardia and tachycardia, respectively. To understand pulse rate better, leaf through the pulse rate chart.

Low Pulse Rate Causes
There are times when a low pulse rate works as an indicator to an underlying problem. If the heart is beating slowly for certain causes then it will pump insufficient levels of blood, depriving cells of oxygen. Our heart rate is controlled by electrical signals in the upper-right chamber of the heart where it is initiated by the sinus node. Once initiated the electrical signals are sent to the atrioventricular node from where it is once again forwarded to the bundle of His and corresponding branches of cells causing the lower chambers to contract. Any interruptions in these electrical signals, either in its transmission or speed can cause the heart to beat slower, and the pulse rate to be low. Any cardiac related problems including heart tissue infection can also result in the pulse rate being slow. Certain conditions like high blood pressure, an electrolyte imbalance and thyroid problems are also seen as causes of a low pulse rate. Old age where the heart tissues begin to deteriorate can also result in a low pulse rate. Medication too can make your heart beat slower.

Low Pulse Rate Symptoms
As the heart beats slower, it will pump the blood slower, that will reduce the amount of oxygen in the cells. Because of this one may feel dizzy, tired, experience fatigue, and a drop in the blood pressure may cause chest pains or fainting spells. If the cause of a low pulse rate are being produced due to electrical interruptions in the heart, then severe chest pain or respiratory problems may also occur. Cardiac arrest may be a result of a too low and untreated pulse rate. While you are reading about low pulse rate, it is good to understand about the high one too: high pulse rate - causes of high pulse rate.

How to treat a low pulse rate should be your priority if it has been diagnosed, especially as a result of another problem. Treatment completely depends on the symptoms present, and what the underlying cause is. It is only your doctor who can determine whether your low pulse rate is at a dangerous low, and prescribe the treatment.