low heart rate

[jammingman99]

Hi,

I have a resting heart rate of 45 bpm and was wondering if this is a problem. I'm male, 56 and have fibromyalgia. I have been feeling more tired than normal. I mentioned this to my doctor but she said it was all fine. I haven't fainted but sometimes feel light headed.

Thanks,

Peter

[jimmyq]

When I was in the Intensive Care Unit, if my heart rate dropped below 40bpm all the alarms went off. I would call the BHF Heart Helpline on 0300 330 3311.

[stevejb1810]

Hi. Are you taking medication - beta blockers or the like. These will lower your heart rate. I’m 60 and have a drug controlled resting heart rate of 50. If I sit for long periods and get up quickly I get a bit light headed for a moment or two, otherwise no issues. Very fit athletes will have very low resting heart rates too, it’s a sign of fitness in them. Since your GP isn’t concerned, I think I’d keep calm and carry on. If your heart rate drops further and/or you start falling over then get yourself to A&E, sharpish

[JaniceMallett]

That is low and that is why you are feeling tired.

See your doctor

[tunybgur]

Hi Peter,

I am 70, very fit and had a resting HR of 50 before having a mild heart attack 5 years ago.

A combination of drugs to lower BP and control various arrhythmias has dropped this to 42-45 but apart from occasional light headedness when getting out of a hot bath (it drops my already low BP) I have had no issues and regularly exercise and continue life as normal.

I'm very happy with my low heart rate.....regular exercise is essential, tiredness can have many causes.

Have you always had a low HR? If yes then you should have nothing to worry about, if it's drug induced then check with Cardio for alternative medication. Beta blockers especially lower HR and can make you tired, but there are alternatives.

Good luck

[mandm65]

Hi there

I can only echo what other have said, lower resting HR attributed to fit athletes or drugged controlled. I was a marathon runner and my resting HR went below 50 while i was doing 50-60 miles per week and when i dropped weekly mileage down to 30 the HR hoovered around mid 50s so prime example of resting HR linked with fitness.

If you are on BBs then it meant to lower your HR so nothing to worry about but worth checking this out with your GP/Cardiologist.

[jammingman99]

Hi All,

Thanks for all the replies. Some people saying it might be a problem so not. Just to clarify I don't take drugs that might lower my heart rate and I'm not a fit person - I have fibromyalgia which makes exercise difficult. I have always had a lowish heart rate and a few years ago my resting heart rate was in the mid 50's, it is now in the mid 40s'. My GP doesn't seem concerned but I thought it might be a problem. I think i will check with another GP.

Thanks,

Peter

[Emily_BHF]

Hi Peter,

A normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats, however some people have a lower heart rate and it is not of concern. As long as your heart rhythm is normal and you are not experiencing any symptoms, then your doctor may not be concerned.

It is difficult to say whether your increased tiredness is related to just this. If you are still concerned you could ask if there is any additional testing you need such as a 24 hour ECG monitor. There is information about different tests available on our website if you would like to learn more.

Take care,

Emily

[Minushabens]

I just had my first ever cardiologist appointment following a referral for a slow heart rate (50bpm resting on average in the day, dropping to 35bpm in the early hours). I've had lifelong respiratory problems, which the consultant said was probably the root cause, but basically said he wasn't too worried about the numbers unless I start fainting or getting excessively dizzy.

I hope that helps a bit