What does a heart rate below 60 bpm indicate?
Disease description:
The physical examination report states that my heart rate is below 60 bpm—this seems unusual. I’d like to ask: what does a heart rate below 60 bpm indicate?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Aifen
First, a heart rate below 60 beats per minute (bpm) may be normal—this is commonly observed in athletes, some of whom even have resting heart rates in the mid-40s. This is considered a physiological phenomenon. Similarly, elderly individuals may experience age-related sinus node dysfunction, leading to physiological bradycardia. However, if bradycardia is present, it is essential to rule out underlying organic cardiac disease. In certain cases—particularly when the heart rate is excessively slow—implantation of a cardiac pacemaker may be necessary to support adequate cardiac rhythm.
