A heart rate of below 60 even when you are awake is considered to be low. This is called "bradycardia" in medical terms.
If you have bradycardia, but not other symptoms, you may not need any treatment. Healthy young people in good physical condition will frequently have resting heart rates in the 40s or 50s.
However, as you have experienced symptoms such as fainting and lightheadedness, you should discuss treatment options with your doctor.
Your doctor may decide that further treatment is not required, and give you advice on lifestyle changes (drinking more water, not getting up from a lying/sitting position too quickly to avoid fainting).
However, treatment may be necessary depending on other possible cause of your bradycardia.
1. Bradycardia often is caused by problems with the sinoatrial (SA) node.
The sinoatrial node is a "control centre" in your heart that affects how fast or slowly your heart beats.
It does this by sending out electrical signals. If it is not working properly, your heart rate can be affected.
In some instances, a pacemaker may be necessary to maintain and restore the heart rate.
2. Another common cause of bradycardia is thyroid disease
An underactive thyroid can also cause a low heart rate.
Treating an underactive thyroid with medication may help correct bradycardia.
Hope this helps!
