Bradycardia?: Hi there. Been using a... - British Heart Fou...

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Bradycardia?

Lydia1960 profile image
12 Replies

Hi there. Been using a finger pulse and quite often the pulse rate goes below 60, and sometimes below 50, which concerns me.

Had a 24 hour ECG moniter on me which came back clear, with only one episode of my pulse going under 60, which doesn't tally with results that I do.

Waiting for the cardiologist's report on that. Wasn't sent to my GP surgery in May. What with feeling exhausted, worn out etc(touch of burnout and other serious conditions like diabetes type 2, and not being at optimal levels on things like vitamin D, B12, folate etc) am a bit worried as to what to think on this subject. So can anyone advise me on this as I do not trust the doctors..

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Lydia1960
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12 Replies
Philippa_BHF profile image
Philippa_BHF

Hi Lydia,

Our heart rates can vary dramatically over a 24 hr period depending on what we're doing,with a resting heart rate of 40-60 being ok as long as you're not experiencing any symptoms like dizziness or feeling like you may black out. If you were told your 24hr ECG was clear I would be reassured,but there may be other reasons for your exhaustion,so it may be a good idea to see your GP for a chat. He may want to arrange blood tests to keep an eye as you have other symptoms. When you see your cardiologist he should be able to reinforce the 24 hour monitor reading being o.k I hope this has offered you some reassurance.

If you want to chat through things further with a cardiac nurse please ring our helpline number- 0300-330-3311.

Take care,

Philippa

Lydia1960 profile image
Lydia1960 in reply toPhilippa_BHF

That's it. There are a number of symptoms that could be connected to any of the things already mentioned, including burn out. There is a sensation, pressure in my head, that makes me feel light headed, a feeling that I might fall into unconsciousness. I feel excessively tired, with my eyelids drooping and when awake I feel, most of the time, as if I am dropping off to sleep, or need to do so.

My understanding of the pulse rate is that it should be between 60-100, so am left wondering why it keeps going below this? When checking on the heart foundation website the conditions bradycardia and heart failure keep coming up, especially since I have quite a few of the symptoms. So that is what is worrying me.

I am well aware that when you get to a certain age, I'm 56, in bad health, so need more medical care, and not a productive member of society that, despite the official line, there is rationing going on, and I am aware I am a candidate for that... It's an extreme worry for me and I do not trust the doctors etc.

Philippa_BHF profile image
Philippa_BHF in reply toLydia1960

Hi Lydia- I am really sorry you are going through all this. It's difficult sometimes to find a doctor to trust,but I can only suggest you get yourself checked out with your GP. There are a multitude of things that could be causing your symptoms that aren't necessarily related to your heart rate- your blood pressure or blood sugar being high/low could both be contributing factors. Bradycardia is not a typical condition associated with heart failure,but I'm sure when you see your cardiologist he will arrange any investigations he feels are necessary. If you continue to feel lightheaded/feeling you are going to lose consciousness I would suggest you go to your local A&E.

I hope you feel better soon,

Philippa

Lydia1960 profile image
Lydia1960 in reply toPhilippa_BHF

I've been to A&E on several occasions and am just waved away. The implication is that I am some sort of hypochondriac as all the tests come back clear. Blood tests, X-rays, echocardiogram, CT scan, ecg s etc. My GPS haven't shown much interest in my symptoms, preferring to see them as mental ones as opposed to what they are. Physical symptoms. But as you say it could be related to my diabetes or burnout, although I still do not understand why my pulse rate should be below 60/50 at times. That's the detail that is worrying to me. Why my pulse is so low at times...

sisihannah profile image
sisihannah

I have same problem but mine goes as low are 36 bpm I was rushed into hospital and ecg can back fine but the doctor listened to my heart he said I have an extra heart beat which ecg is picking up as normal heart rate. I have same tired all the time falling asleep for no reason . Doctor are doing ultra sound on my heart maybe mention this to them xx

Lydia1960 profile image
Lydia1960

I've been through so many tests and all have come back clear. I did suggest a cardiac stress exercise, but my doctor said there was no indication for a need for this. Might try another doctor, once I get that report back from the cardiologist involved, which should have reached my GP practice on the first week of May. A lot of incompetence at my local surgery and hospital. I've learnt not to trust the doctors etc as I am aware they are on a budgeted income and that I am one of those who is seen as redundant in the big scheme of things..

Leshere profile image
Leshere

Sorry to hear about your difficulties. Just to reinforce what was said above some people have very low pulse rates. On average my resting rate is about 47bpm. When low it drops to just below 40 bmp, lower at night. It does not give me much of a problem. If It is low it responds well to exercise, I just cycle or take the dog for a couple of hours exploring. Hope you feel better soon. Les

Lydia1960 profile image
Lydia1960 in reply toLeshere

Thanks, Les. Reassured by that. So in that case, just because the pulse rate goes beneath 60/50, it isn't necessarily indicating bradycardia, seems to be the theme here. So, I do need to find out what is causing these symptoms I am having, and speak to my doctor about the tests results I have had..

Delilah4 profile image
Delilah4

Did you ever figure out what was going on? I’ve had head pressure with a low heart rate for over a month. They say the low heart rate is stress and suggest Meniere’s, Migraine, and so many other things. You’re the first person I’ve seen with similar symptoms.

Lydia1960 profile image
Lydia1960 in reply toDelilah4

It was definitely related to stress. I’m engaging with the local mental health team and they are helping me cope with my stress levels. I’m just easily distracted by noise and there’s quite a bit where I live, but now that I’ve been given some stress management my pulse and that has steadied to a normal one. Thanks for asking...

Delilah4 profile image
Delilah4

Crazy. I also am distracted by noise (and the stupid refuse truck at the gas station at the corner at 5 am.) it’s so hard to believe that would make my head feel like it will explode and my heart rate drop. I guess it’s easier to trust knowing someone else had the same symptoms. Thanks!

JuanVictor profile image
JuanVictor

Gday. i had similar hearth condition for quite some time, years ago. My GP told me that i had a "lazy hearth" and I would live 100 yrs. Now(and this is science fiction stuff..) my concern continued so i insisted to get tested in a private medical facility, in Melbourne. They fitted a ECG monitor for 24, made run on a treadmill, monitored my hearth and..the last report was handled over to me by a especialized nurse saying " all normal..you've got a hearth that shall last you 50 yrs more!"...Ok. three or four months later my low pulse keep bothering me. So out of the blue with no symptoms I decided to go to a PUBLIC hospital near me. The face of the triage nurse told me inmediately that something was quite wrong. My resting pulse was 38. 24 hrs late a hearth surgeon indicated to me that if i wanted to see my grandchildren grow, a pacemaker must be fitted inmediately.

I agreed and since then my resting pulse is always 55.

Moral of the story: If you are not an exemplary atlethe and your hearth is below 60; get it checked up and always, always a second opinion (and third) has to count.

probably is your blood cholesterol that is doing that. lower it.

Take care

Victor Marinelli

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