How to improve a heart rate of around 55 beats per minute

Generally, a heart rate of around 55 beats per minute may be caused by factors such as being an athlete or heavy manual laborer, being in a sleep state, hypothyroidism, sinus node dysfunction, or atrioventricular conduction block. The appropriate treatment depends on the specific underlying cause to achieve effective management. Prompt medical consultation and treatment following medical advice are recommended. Detailed information is as follows:

1. Athletes or heavy manual laborers: Individuals who regularly engage in high-intensity physical exercise or heavy manual labor often have a lower resting heart rate—typically around 55 beats per minute—due to enhanced cardiac function and stronger myocardial contractions, which allow each heartbeat to pump more blood and meet the body's needs. No specific treatment is required, but regular heart rate monitoring is recommended to ensure it remains within the normal range.

2. Sleep state: During sleep, the body is in a resting state, with increased vagal tone leading to reduced cardiac contractility and a naturally slower heart rate. A heart rate of 55 beats per minute during sleep is therefore a normal physiological phenomenon. No treatment is necessary; maintaining good sleep habits is recommended.

3. Hypothyroidism: Thyroid hormone plays a key role in regulating metabolism and has a significant impact on cardiac function. When thyroid hormone secretion is insufficient, it can slow metabolism, reduce cardiac excitability, and lead to bradycardia, often accompanied by cold intolerance. Treatment may include thyroid hormone supplementation under medical guidance, such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or carbimazole tablets.

4. Sinus node dysfunction: The sinus node is the heart's natural pacemaker, responsible for generating and conducting electrical signals that regulate heartbeats. When sinus node function declines, it results in reduced pacemaking ability, leading to bradycardia and possibly symptoms such as dizziness. Medical treatment under a physician's guidance may involve medications such as isoprenaline hydrochloride tablets, aspirin enteric-coated tablets, or compound danshen dripping pills to help increase heart rate.

5. Atrioventricular conduction block: Atrioventricular conduction block refers to impaired transmission of electrical signals from the atria to the ventricles, causing slower or irregular ventricular contractions. This condition can lead to bradycardia and, in severe cases, cardiac arrest, often accompanied by palpitations. Under medical supervision, medications such as sodium bicarbonate tablets, salbutamol sulfate tablets, or propafenone hydrochloride tablets may be used to improve cardiac conduction.

In daily life, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and emotional well-being is important. Avoid excessive physical strain and mental stress.