Question

My mother is 83 years old and she is concerned her heart rate is too slow. What should it be for her age; she is in good health?

Answer

In medical terms, a slow heart beat is only really a problem if the rate is less than 60 beats per minute, and only in those people who have symptoms. In other words, if your mother is in otherwise good health, then perhaps the slow heart rate is not something that she needs to worry about. If it is excessively slow or if she has symptoms of heart disease, then she needs to see her own doctor to see whether there is anything that can be put right.

Often a slow heart rate in a person of your mother's age is due to some abnormality of the conducting tissue within the heart muscle itself. One would need to know whether her pulse is regular or irregular. Does she have dizziness, blackouts or faints or any symptoms that could be associated with heart disease, such as chest pain on exertion and shortness of breath. Can she lie flat in bed or does she like to be propped up beyond 2 or 3 pillows?

The main thrust of our advice is that if her clinical condition warrants it, or if she is worried about her heart rate, then we really would advise you to go and seek medical advice.