Low heart rate

[White81]

Hello there. I’d just like a little advice. I’m a 37 year old woman and for the last few weeks I’ve noticed my heart rate has become very slow. It’s often 51 bpm but is also dropping down to between 45-48 bpm. I am not overly athletic. I am aware my heart rate also misses beats and I’m having palpitations quite often. Sometimes I feel light headed and when my heart beats slowly it feels like it might stop. I don’t know what to think about it. Any advice? Thank you

[Pilgrim1956]

My heart rate fell from mid 60's to mid 50's. I asked GP about this and he said 50's is ok but if it goes regularly into the 40's I should go back to see him.

I'd book a GP appointment and keep a heart rate record say twice a day to discuss with GP

[Cliff_G]

Hi. The change intrigues me, am I right it seems to have been quite quick? Are you having any gastric issues at present? Ultimately you need to have a word with your doctor. If your rate was normally that low then it might just be that's your rate, but it is rare in non-elite athletes. The reason for the change needs investigating in my view; doc will do thyroid and potassium level tests etc.

[Manhattan1]

hi i’m a 64yr old woman on medication for several health probs including MVA.. heart rate drops to low of 44.. gp reduced my tildiem from 120mg to 90mg.. seemed to be working as heart rate was staying in mid 50s, but in the last week it’s hitting low 50s and last night hit 44..

[Andyman]

Go to your doctor. Tell them this.

[ling]

Please see a doctor, and if necessary a cardiologist

[White81]

Thank you all for your replies. I’m not having any gastric problems and it does seem to have happened suddenly, over the last month or so I’d say. I’ll keep an eye on it for maybe another month and if it carries on I’ll mention it to my doctor. I’m not on any medication at the moment either and am certainly not athletic which I know could be an explanation. Thank you all.

[cowparsley in reply to White81]

Do you have swollen ankles or breathlessness?If so you must see a dr.immediately.I had your symptoms plus the above and had a pacemaker fitted,which is great.

[White81 in reply to cowparsley]

Hello there, no my ankles are fine but i feel a little breathless when my heart beats slowly and slightly dizzy. It’s very strange!

[cowparsley in reply to White81]

Still think you should see a doctor,sooner rather than later.Best wishes Jen

[White81 in reply to cowparsley]

Thank you Jen, maybe I’ll make an appointment next week, just get it checked

[Ianc2]

Are you taking any medication?

[White81 in reply to Ianc2]

Hi there, no I’m not on any medication at the moment. Thank you

[Ianc2 in reply to White81]

So it is not a drug reaction . Do you measure your heart using a fitbit or similar?

[White81 in reply to Ianc2]

No I just use my fingers on my wrist and count the beats for 20 seconds and then multiply that by 3. I know when it’s beating slowly as I feel funny and I check it then. Yesterday it was it’s slowest at 45bpm.

[Ianc2 in reply to White81]

Does it happen after exercise or after eating?

[White81 in reply to Ianc2]

No, it’s just when I’m sitting. At work this evening it went upto 138bpm after walking up and down a bit. When it goes very slow I feel like I should move about a bit to speed it up!

[Ianc2 in reply to White81]

I think cowparsley's advice is valid. If your heart rate is dropping to this level there is a danger of fainting caused by a drop in blood pressure, not good news if you drive a car.

[White81 in reply to Ianc2]

Thank you for your replies. Maybe I should see a doctor. If it’s any link I did lose my mom 3 months ago and maybe this has an effect on my heart? I started soon after her death. I do drive and I’m worried in case anything happens whilst I have a passenger. I’ll keep you guys posted. Thank you all

[CharlesL]

It's probably okay, but see your doctor.

Take care

C

[12345pink]

My heart rate was 38-44 but I’d had a heart attack c was a power walker and had to stop a few times but didn’t go to drs wish I had as I ended up having a heart attack. My brother went to drs as he was same and is on medication for it. I also have atrial fibrillation Andy have just had a pacemaker inserted in. Go to your Drs ASAP. Don’t be like me everyone was telling me go to drs I thought it was because I’d put weight on.

[White81 in reply to 12345pink]

Thank you for your reply, I hope you’re doing better now and have recovered well. I’m wondering if it’s because I’ve lost a lot of weight having lost my mom recently? I very rarely go to the drs and I worry about taking their time up when there’s other people who need an appointment more than me.

[12345pink in reply to White81]

I wouldn’t go to a and e and walk in centre but I’d promised my daughter I’d go to walk in centre and get back to her then .she rang me up saying have you been to a and e I relied no and she then said well did you go to walk in centre said no she told me I had to go so I promised her I I would go which I did got there and told I think you have lhad a heart attack said I’d go and see my dr tomorrow and she said ambulance is on the way. Had no choice but to go with paramedics rushed me around had ecg told by sister you’ve had a heart attack and you’ll be getting a stent in. The sister said your daughters saved your life I told her I didn’t want to bother them and she told me we want people Like you to come it’s the ones with a sore throat or cold and said you’ve got to ring. So please go and see your Dr don’t say you can’t go even if it’s the upset of mam you still have to go don’t put off.

[White81 in reply to 12345pink]

Wow what a story! Yes it’s a good job you did go to get checked out, hope you’re doing better now and are in good health. Heart seems a bit perkier tonight, it’s upto 54bpm which is better! I’ll see how it goes over the next week and if it’s still going down into the 40’s I’ll make an appointment with the doctor

[GRANDPUPA]

I went thru same, went to the hospital & went thru ECG and Echo, my heart was certified ok, even though with sinus bradycardia (as it's called) coupled with palpitations which flows with the beats.

I think it's harmless, eventhough greatly uncomfortable. At the height of it all, I was placed on Nattoenzym which gave me a lot of relief, but I complained of its cost, and today, I take Digoxin which is doing me really good. Cheers.