Bradycardia in a 16 year old male

Dear Ask The Doctor: What could be the cause of a 16 yr. old male to have a very slow heart rate.

Dear Melissa:Heart rate of less than 60 per minute is referred to as bradycardia, or a slow heart rate. If your heart rate is less than 60 and beating in a regular sinus rhythm, this may be normal in someone of your age. I would advise attending your family physician for a physical examination and ECG (electrical trace of the heart). If your ECG is normal no further investigation is required. If abnormal your family physician may refer you for a 24 hour Holter (heart) monitor, an echocardiogram, and a cardiology consultation. These will investigate what rhythm your heart is beating in, show evidence of any heart rhythm abnormalities, check heart valve function and ventricular function, and visualise any structural abnormalities in the heart.