Sinus Bradycardia

[Supermumof5]

Desperately seeking advice! Had gallbladder removed following severe jaundice 2 years ago but didn’t ‘bounce back’ & started to notice occasional low heart rate. Last 4 months have been horrendous, heart rate dropping into mid-30’s during the day and night, rarely goes above 80, despite trying to remain active. Severely affecting my family (5 children!), business and life generally. I’m not an athlete or very fit, 46 years old. GP done 24hr Holter which shows sinus bradycardia & drops to 34bpm, referred me to Endocrinologist but asked me to go private because NHS waiting lists so long! Seeing Endo on 11th May (6 week wait for private!), but I’m really worried to be feeling this unwell... fearful of passing out every single day and feel like I’m holding onto life by my fingernails! Also finding it difficult to eat, no appetite, lost 3 stone in last 4 months. GP suspects adrenal insufficiency... I did have a nasty virus as a child which doctor said attacked my heart, don’t know if there was any long term damage...

[HeatherForanSmith]

I had a holter for 24hrs as I noticed my heart rate dropping really low on occasions I had some breathlessness. I was referred to a cardiologist who recommended another six months later my average rate on the first was just about 60 despite drops to 36. The second 24hr holter showed it reduced to 52 average but no other symptoms so would be reviewed again in 12 months. I started to feel very unwell and lightheaded after a couple of months so I asked for the next test to be done again straight away cardiologist agreed average was 39 with dips to 30 and hardly above 60. Got pacemaker a week later after diagnosis of sick sinus syndrome. I would ask to see a cardiologist

[Supermumof5 in reply to HeatherForanSmith]

Thanks for your reply Heather. My average resting heart rate is currently 45bpm (last 24hr Holter done a week ago). Wondering if I should ask for a referral to Cardiologist as well...

[HeatherForanSmith]

I would. GPS are good but not experts good luck