What does heart rate 50-60 bpm indicate?
Patient: Hi - my heart rate is typically in the 60-80 range. Lately it has been in the 50 - 60 range. No lifestyle changes. I am on the treadmill or bike 3-4 times a week and work out with light weights 3x week for 1/2 hour at a time. All other health items are ok. I am 67 and my blood pressure has been ok. Weight is normal. I take blood pressure and cholesterol medicine. Any ideas? Doctor: Hello , As I start I would like to reassure you that your pulse rate is perfectly normal , and rather it's best to have pulse rate between 50-60 . The reasons may be 1) normally as we age the pulse decrease because metabolism of our body slows down .2) As you are active , the heart is well trained and hence the pulse would go low as such heart can effectively pump more blood with each heart beat 3) many medication for hypertension particularly beta blocker can decrease the pulse rate . It's just prudent to keep a tab on the pulse rate by doing ecg once in 6 months to make sure that the rhythm is normal . Let me know if any clarification needed and I would be happy to help . Regards Dr Priyank Mody