Pulse in the 30s should I be concerned? - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

32,400 members38,733 posts

Pulse in the 30s should I be concerned?

Kendalghost profile image
18 Replies

When I have an AF episode I take at least a day to recover and my pulse is in the 30s. So far today I have to it up to 39, that is with a walk and eating lunch. Should I be concerned?

Written by
Kendalghost profile image
Kendalghost
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
18 Replies
BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

How do you feel? A pulse that low for many people would be highly debilitating but for a fit ex athlete absolutely fine. I remember once testing an ex lifeboat bosun at 80+ years old with a HR of 36 who was quite happy.

If you feel ill with the rate then please speak to your doctor.

Kendalghost profile image
Kendalghost in reply toBobD

Thanks Bob, my pulse has now reached the dizzy heights of 41 which is more normal for me/ When it goes lower I feel slower than usual and just want to sleep... I am due a chat with the cardio soon so will mention the lower pulse.

Jalia profile image
Jalia

I really think that you should be taking medical advice for heart rate in the thirties regardless of how you are feeling.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

If your heart rate is really that low and you're not measuring your heart rate with an oximeter, then I think you need to seek medical advice. My GP was concerned when mine went below 40 and I had to reduce my medication.

Jean

Buffafly profile image
Buffafly

My cardiologist thought 50 was too low. I would take advice, you don’t want to live? up to your name!

in reply toBuffafly

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

mjames1 profile image
mjames1

I'd ring my doc today, not wait. They may wwnt to adjust meds,etc.

Kendalghost profile image
Kendalghost in reply tomjames1

I tried that once and got told to ring 111....they told me to go to A&E and offered me an ambulance if I waited a few hours.

Truckerclark profile image
Truckerclark

sound advice from all ,,,go see doc get it checked ,mines was hitting 30 odd for a while I felt tired & out of sorts ,,,,,I now have pacemaker to stop bradycardia,,,,I have af too ,,,, it won’t stop af but will keep your heart from going so low ,,,,

Kendalghost profile image
Kendalghost in reply toTruckerclark

A pacemaker keeps being mentioned but nothing further so far. Will see what the GP says on Monday.

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman

Is it that low while briskly walking? I was told that in and of itself, a low pulse isn't a worry but is was something the cardiologist I saw pointed out on the 2-week monitor study I did.

I think an issue with a low pulse is if there are pauses between beats, also if you need to take beta-blockers, too, which will lower it even more; also, I've read that sometimes a low pulse can itself trigger AF.

Your GP is the best source of information, I reckon.

Steve

Ronnieboy profile image
Ronnieboy

My pulse rate is normally in the 40s or low 50s,and I feel fine,I was told if you feel all right don't worry about it,so I don't.

BlueINR profile image
BlueINR

Yes. That low heartrste may not adequately supply organs with oxygen. I would suggest going to an ER immediately.

timetabler profile image
timetabler

My pulse sometimes goes as low as 32 bpm when measured with a standard blood pressure machine. However my EP says it cannot measure correctly due to ectopics, and sure enough a Kardia 6L shows a faster heartbeat.

So it depends on how you are measuring it, but I think you should get it checked anyway.

Kendalghost profile image
Kendalghost in reply totimetabler

Thanks it is a Kardia 6L that I am using. I'm back around 40/41 now but will ring the surgery on Monday.

Pacific profile image
Pacific

it’s hard to define normal; mine is in the mid 40’s, and I didn’t need a pacemaker. My father’s heart rate was in the 30’s and he had a TIA, and paid for the price , having refused a pacemaker, but your cardiologist can advise you.

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49

Hi

Oh dear YES!

Ring your Alarm or emergency number.

Mine stays in an avge 47 H/R at night. Under 50 is

watch.

How are you feeling - that is the basic test. Are you feeling faint, dizzy,

sick????

Too low - you may need a pacemaker. How is your BP?

What drugs are you on??

cheri JOY. 74. (NZZ)

Elfiejean profile image
Elfiejean

When mine was in the 30's they inserted a pacemaker. Low heartrate can be normal for some folks but not for me.I never was dizzy or anything. It made them nervous.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

should I be concerned?

I’m probably worrying over nothing but here goes……my normal resting heart rate is normally between...
Fondant profile image

should I be concerned

I am currently awaiting an ablation which I know is a long way of but i have recently noticed that...
Lumps profile image

slow heart rate - should I be concerned?

I developed hyperthyroidism last year and it caused AF. The AF was persistent for 5 months and then...
Jafib53 profile image

Should I be concerned about lower resting HR on bisoprolol?

I had my first recorded (though probably 3rd in 3 years) AF incident on Sunday and have got 1.25mg...

Cardioversion not until September - should I be concerned?

Wound up with permanent AF at the beginning of June - possibly caused by over exercise and alcohol...
MarkoVan profile image

Moderation team

See all
Kelley-Admin profile image
Kelley-AdminAdministrator
jess-admin profile image
jess-adminAdministrator
Emily-Admin profile image
Emily-AdminAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.