Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)
When to Call a Doctor
Call911or other emergency services immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Fainting
- Severe shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Signs of a heart attack or stroke
You can find out your heart rate by checking your pulse
.
Call your health professional immediately if you have both a slower-than-usual heart rate and you:
- Feel like you might pass out.
- Have a pacemaker.
- Notice increased shortness of breath.
- Notice swelling in your feet and ankles.
Note that increased shortness of breath or swelling in your feet and ankles may be early symptoms of heart failure.
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting, which is taking a wait-and-see approach, is not appropriate if you have symptoms that may be caused by a slow heart rate.
Who to See
The following health professionals can evaluate symptoms of a slow heart rate:
 Go to previous section |  Go to top of page |  Go to next section |
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: July 7, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Laurence Epstein, MD - Cardiac Electrophysiologist | |
 | ||
