What is a potential consequence of a heart beating too slowly?

A heart that beats too slowly, a condition known as bradycardia, can lead to decreased blood flow to the brain and other vital organs due to insufficient cardiac output. One of the most immediate and noticeable consequences of this decreased blood flow is syncope, or fainting. When the brain does not receive enough oxygenated blood, an individual may experience dizziness or lightheadedness, which can culminate in a loss of consciousness.

While heart failure, chest pain, and hypertension can be associated with various heart conditions, they are not immediate results of bradycardia itself. Heart failure typically arises from chronic conditions that affect the heart's ability to pump efficiently over time. Chest pain can have numerous causes and is not strictly a consequence of a slow heartbeat. Hypertension is related to the pressure within the arteries and can occur independently of heart rate. Thus, syncope stands out as a direct and acute consequence of a heart overly slowed in its rhythm.