Heart rate too low

[rothwell]

I have had AF for 7 years. Have had 2 ablations, the last one a year ago. No AF for 6 months but then it came back. Always when I have an episode my heart rate goes up from 70 something to over a hundred..up and down. I then take a bisoprolol which steadies it. However on Saturday night and last night it went the other way I.e. down to 38 and up to the nineties. This is the first time this has ever happened and I was worried as I didn't dare take a bisoprolol as it would lower it even further. Last night I kept getting off the sofa and walking around to bring it up and after an hour so it went back to going too high. As this is the first time this has happened I wonder if it has happened to anyone else. I have a telephone appointment booked with my arrhythmia nurse for next Monday.

[jeanjeannie50]

That sounds unusual. I would mention this to your GP and see what he has to say.

Jean

[Doggiemomma]

My HR drops into the high 40s when I'm in bed or in the lounging chair, reading or watching television. I have no idea if it drops any lower when I am asleep. Like you, I will often get up and move around just to raise it a bit.

I was worried that I may somehow have Sick Sinus Syndrome so asked my EP to test for that and hopefully rule it out. He said my last ECG indicated a HR in the mid 50s, and he wasn't worried about my resting heart rate (but I am!!), and he ordered a Holter monitor to wear for 72 hours. It's much different from the old Holter monitor. I am awaiting the results of the Holter. In the past, maybe 2 years ago, I requested a Zio patch for an evaluation of all things heart, and I appreciate these diagnostic tools.

Definitely mention this to your GP or cardiologist or specialist and see what they say. They should be able to address your worries and your physical indications, and at the very least, assuage your fears or review your medications or have a plan to help you.

[Dorper]

I did not enjoy my experience with Bisoprolol. This is my story, but please understand there are variances in this. I am me with my issues, I have a medical team with their knowledge, you have a different story.

I had significant A/F that was controlled fo quite a long while taking Sotalol. Then one night I had a masssive A/F episode and decided to see a physician. He prescribed Bisopropol but I had another episode in his rooms which, I thought, scared him. Shortly after that my wife took me to Royal Melbourne Hospital emergency and I spent 4 days there being looked at. They increased my dose to 200mg twice daily.

I was suffering extreme shortness of breath and following a visit to a Cardiologist he ordered an Echocardiogram in February 2020. This showed an exit fraction of 43. (Healthy is 60 plus) The cardiologist also prescribed Amiloderone. A combination of these two drugs made me think death would be preferable. The cardio then arranged for two Cardioversions both failed.

He then rang the Cardiology clinic at Royal Melb Hospital and they arranged for another Echocardiogram. This was duly done in July. This showed an exit fraction of 23. The cardiac surgeon who was now running my case recommended a Pacemaker and and AV ablation. I now feel fantastic with a careful rebuilding of my heart muscle being the current objective. I am likely to play golf again within 2 months. I am walking and gardening and am now on Metoprolol 50mg twice daily. Other rdugs are epixiban (blood thinner) and valsartin (blood pressure.

My belief now is find the best cardiologist you can. make sure he/she keeps the GP informed and keep going until you have an answer. I think I would refuse to take Amiloderone again and Bisoprolol didn't seem to suit me. Hope this helped. I am 76 yrs old and feel like I am 50!!!

[Deb1838 in reply to Dorper]

Sorry to jump in on this post but how do you build up heart muscle

[David1958 in reply to Deb1838]

The best way to build up the heart muscle is to exercise. If exercise is not in your lifestyle, start by walking. Walk to your mailbox. If that is easy, walk down the street and back. If that is easy walk around the block. If you are really adventurous join a health club just to use the treadmill unless you have the room in your house and the funds to buy one. The nice thing about treadmills is you can vary the incline and the speed. If you have access to a pool try swimming laps. You may only be able to do one lap before resting. Then do another and rest. Eventually you may be able to string two together or three. I think you get the idea.

[Deb1838 in reply to David1958]

Thank you David very useful. I can’t do much exercise and walking to the post box and back is My limit at the moment but I guess it’s a case of gently increasing

You make a good point regarding treadmill especially with winter here.

Thank you for taking the time to respond

[rothwell]

Thank you all for your replies....the low heart rate hasnt happened again after those two occasions but it would seem that should it continue then a pacemaker might be the answer. I will discuss it with my arrhythmia nurse on Monday.