Sinus bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, can be a sign of cardiovascular health in healthy young adults and endurance athletes. It can also be a sign of an underlying condition requiring medical attention.

Bradycardia happens when your heart rate is slower than typical. The heart typically beats between 60 and 100 times per minute. Bradycardia is defined as a heart rate slower than 60 beats per minute.

While it’s most common in older adults, bradycardia can affect anyone and may occur alongside other conditions, including sinus arrhythmia.

Continue reading to learn more about sinus bradycardia and how it’s diagnosed and treated.

Many people who have sinus bradycardia don’t have any symptoms aside from a slower heart rate.

But if not enough blood is being pumped to the organs of your body, you may begin to experience symptoms including:

Sinus bradycardia happens when the sinus node generates a heartbeat fewer than 60 times in a minute. Many possible factors can cause this to occur.

Potential causes of sinus bradycardia can include:

Because damage to the heart can cause bradycardia, factors associated with heart disease may also be linked to a higher risk of sinus bradycardia. Risk factors for heart disease may include:

To diagnose sinus bradycardia, a doctor typically first performs a physical exam. This can include:

  • listening to your heart
  • measuring your heart rate
  • taking your blood pressure

They will also likely take a full medical history and ask you about your symptoms, what medications you’re currently taking, and whether you have any underlying health conditions.

The doctor may use an electrocardiogram (EKG) to detect and characterize bradycardia. This test measures the electrical signals that pass through your heart using several small sensors attached to your chest. It delivers results as a wave pattern.

Bradycardia may not occur while you’re in the doctor’s office. Because of this, a doctor may ask you to wear a portable EKG device to record your heart’s activity. You may need to wear the device for a few days, or sometimes longer.

Your doctor may also recommend other tests to determine the underlying cause of sinus bradycardia. They can help determine which tests may be beneficial for diagnosing the cause of your symptoms and deciding whether treatment is necessary.

You may not require treatment if sinus bradycardia is not causing any symptoms.

For those who experience symptoms or otherwise need treatment, treatment options depend on what’s causing sinus bradycardia. Some treatment options may include:

  • Treating underlying conditions: If an underlying condition or infection is causing sinus bradycardia, a doctor can help develop a treatment plan to address it.
  • Adjusting medications: If a medication you’re taking is causing your heart rate to slow, a doctor may either adjust the dosage of the medication or stop it completely, if possible.
  • Implanting a pacemaker: People with frequent or severe sinus bradycardia may need a pacemaker. This is a small device that’s implanted in your chest. It uses electrical impulses to help maintain a regular heart rate.

A doctor may also suggest following certain lifestyle strategies to help protect against heart problems. These can include:

  • eating a heart-healthy diet, which focuses on:
    • plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
    • limiting foods high in fat, salt, and added sugar
  • getting enough regular physical activity or exercise
  • maintaining a moderate weight
  • managing conditions that can contribute to heart disease, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol
  • attending regular checkups with a doctor and letting them know if you experience any new symptoms or changes to existing ones

In most cases, you should start to feel better shortly after starting treatment for sinus bradycardia or addressing the underlying conditions that may cause it.

Recovery may take several weeks if you require a pacemaker to manage frequent or severe sinus bradycardia. During this time, it’s important to avoid:

  • heavy lifting
  • placing pressure on the area where your pacemaker is implanted
  • wearing clothing that rubs on the incision

A healthcare professional can provide more in-depth information about your treatment plan, including when you should expect to feel better.

If you’re experiencing symptoms consistent with sinus bradycardia, you may want to make an appointment with a doctor. While sinus bradycardia doesn’t always need treatment, you may require treatment for the underlying cause.

The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you don’t already have a doctor.

Sinus bradycardia is a slow, regular heart rate. It happens when the sinus node generates a heartbeat fewer than 60 times in a minute.

Many people with the condition don’t know they have it. Sometimes, sinus bradycardia can cause symptoms, including dizziness, fatigue, and fainting.

If you experience these symptoms, contact a doctor. They can work with you to diagnose sinus bradycardia and develop a treatment plan if necessary. Treatment can involve lifestyle strategies and addressing the underlying cause.