How low is too low - Resting heart rate. - British Heart Fou...

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How low is too low - Resting heart rate.

PeterJemmett profile image
9 Replies

How low a resting heart rate would you go before you start to worry about it, even if you are showing no symptoms other than slight light headiness?

My heart rate has been consistently low ever still I increased my exercising/jogging during 2017 and is now fairly level at 41 but has fallen from the mid 40’s in about April, I am on a low dose beta blocker.

I feel fine but the trend does appear to be slowly downwards and I’m now getting the odd readings between 37-40.

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PeterJemmett profile image
PeterJemmett
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9 Replies
ChicagoGirl1961 profile image
ChicagoGirl1961

If you have bradycardia as a result of physiological adaptations that have come about as a result of your exercise you should not be on a beta blocker which reduces heart rate further. Bradycardia is a normal adaptation especially in endurance athletes. I've been running for years and resting heart rate is in the 40 's. With your heart rate dropping below 40 feeling dizzy you should get with your doctor and he will likely take you off to the beta blocker asap.

Beta blockers slow heart rate I think be best if you seek advice from ur doctor x

Golflady profile image
Golflady

Hi. I'm a 71 year old fit (! I thought) lady with mild angina. I spoke to a cardio doctor yesterday as I have a resting rate of 46 and otherwise in low 50s. I'm on 3.75 mg betablocker and they said to keep on with betablocker. I've been diagnosed with probs on both sides of heart so waiting for an angiogram appt. We're all so different so I don't know if my info helps you or not.

chevidaniels profile image
chevidaniels

I am on 1.25 Bisoprolol lowest dose and mine is often in low 40s at times lowest was 39 but it generally is 45 and above. I have spoken to my cardiologist who appears unconcerned as I don't have symptoms with it. The low dose of beta blocker is very effective in my opinion as I have always had a high heart rate of 90+ before so to bring it down so dramatically in an unfit person as myself I do wonder what it would do to a very active fit person.

Stumpy47 profile image
Stumpy47

I have a naturally low heart 48 bpm rate & suffered from tachycardia episodes up to 220 bpm. Cardio put me on a low dose of Isoprolol of 1.25 mg which slowed my heart to as low as 32 bpm at night without any I'll effects. The SVT still continued with frequent A&E visits I am now 5 weeks post ablation off beta blockers with zero tachycardia but still have a low resting heart rate ! If you don't feel unwell I would not worry about it I have heard of people with bpm's in the mid 20 bpm range, now that would start to ring alarm bells. Have you been diagnosed with anything specific ? Best wishes.

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

Some elite athletes having resting heart rates in the thirties and a few in the high twenties. I would suggest you talk to your GP. A reduced dose (you can get pill cutters to halve them) might be appropriate.

beardy_chris profile image
beardy_chris

My cardiologist always says "Don't worry about the numbers, how do you feel?". If your "slight light headedness" is an issue for you, discuss it with the medics but don't worry simply because your numbers don't match other people's.

Lola555 profile image
Lola555

I couldn’t tolerate beta blockers for my SVT as my heart rate dropped too low. Usually to about 37 when I would feel dizzy and unable to lift my feet to walk properly. I collapsed one time and paramedics recorded my heart rate as 25. My ablation for SVT was brought forward due to this.

Andyman profile image
Andyman

My resting heart rate is about 44 average. Because it was low I was told I couldn't have beta blockers because it would make my heart rate even lower and this was dangerous. If it was me I would go to my go and ask why you are on them. I believe we are all different but the drugs lower your heart rate and there maybe a reason why you have to have them. Below 40 is not good.

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