Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Low Heart Rate?

Hello,

I am 16 year old male, 5' 10" and 195 pounds. I do not exercise as much as I should (mostly because it is my summer off of school) but earlier today while I was in summer school, I was sitting in the desk watching a movie in class and it felt like my heart slowed down a bit. I tried timing it and it turned out to be between 78-84 bpm. My typical pulse is 88-90 bpm so I am a little concerned. I don't get dizzy, feel faint or anything. For the past week, I haven't eaten a whole lot (definitely not 1000 calories per day) so I was wondering if that had had an affect. I just don't want to be sleeping and my heart gives out or something.
Wed, 24 Sep 2014
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health concerns

You are concerned that your heart rate has slowed down. During time of relaxation like watching a boring movie your heart could reduce without consequences. Your current heart rate is not enough to be of any concern. For a young healthy adult who exercises regularly their heart rate could go as low as 60. Some adults who have exercise vigorously their heart rates may actually drop into the 40's and 50's depending on their condition.

Only when heart rate is also accompanied by low blood pressure would I get concerned about a heart rate. Your body is a strong and healthy and unlikely to give out while you sleep. Please rest assured you are normal and nothing will happen to you.

Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions please contact us again
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Low Heart Rate?

Thanks for contacting HCM with your health concerns You are concerned that your heart rate has slowed down. During time of relaxation like watching a boring movie your heart could reduce without consequences. Your current heart rate is not enough to be of any concern. For a young healthy adult who exercises regularly their heart rate could go as low as 60. Some adults who have exercise vigorously their heart rates may actually drop into the 40 s and 50 s depending on their condition. Only when heart rate is also accompanied by low blood pressure would I get concerned about a heart rate. Your body is a strong and healthy and unlikely to give out while you sleep. Please rest assured you are normal and nothing will happen to you. Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions please contact us again