I’m new here and have a question about a low heart rate episode I experienced recently.

[Remos]

I was admitted to hospital recently after I fainted and banged my head. Whilst I was there I had several more fainting experiences whilst being monitored. The cause was a drop in heart rate to about 45 bpm for 10 seconds. I was then transferred to a different hospital which had a cardiac dept. I stayed there for the rest of the evening and night whilst being monitored. No further occurrences happened through the night and in the morning I was given the all clear and sent home.

My question is should I have been discharged with no further required treatment or follow up? I’m very concerned that there has been no explanation of what happened to me and obviously worried it could happen again. I’d appreciate any views or advice. Has anyone had anything similar and what was the outcome/treatment?

[Brandibell]

As scary as it is, that sounds about right. Did they give you any medication whilst you was being monitored?What is written on your discharge form? Do you know?

[Remos in reply to Brandibell]

The diagnosis on the discharge form is "Malignant vasovagal syncopy".

[Dolphin14]

Were you on a Med that they stopped?

I wonder why not a continuous monitor at hone for 48 hours.

[Remos in reply to Dolphin14]

No Meds. Someone also mentioned a 24/48 monitor.

[Dicky-ticker]

Go back and discuss with your GP. You can be referred for a tilt test and also into a black out clinic

It could have just been a bad day, low BP, lack of fluids, too much rushing and not enough sitting. A medical mystery or a one of event. But better to be safe than sorry.

Good luck

[Remos]

Went back to the GP and also contacted the hospital again. Told to stay hydrated, drink less caffeine and maybe take a little more salt.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Remos]

I hope that works for you. If you have any more episodes get right back to the ER

Can I ask a general question? When you get discharged from the hospital do you get written paperwork with a diagnosis on it?

My question being if they assumed that you would respond to fluid, increased sodium and decreased caffeine, was that written on your discharge paper work? If so what did it say they were treating.

I'm just curious.

[Remos in reply to Dolphin14]

Yes this was written on the discharge note. So far so good. Thank you.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Remos]

Ok good just checking.

Be well

[Manhattan1]

i was admitted to hospital 18 months ago with heart rate of 45 feeling absolutely washed out and ill.. bp was 202/103.. resps 28.. was put on monitor overnight and doc doing rounds told me bp struggled to hit 50 overnight.. ivabradine was reduced to 5mg daily.. seemed to work for a while.. but heart rate now acting up again.. last week hit 39. lowest this week 42.. as i’m typing this it’s sitting at 50..GP has requested a 24hr holter 3 weeks ago.. also awaiting appointment from

Cardiology after further referral .. not expecting quick appt as i know that could take several months

[Firefl in reply to Manhattan1]

Hi Manhatten your post reveals to me the extent of the crisis our NHS is in and the effect this is having on ill people such as your self and many others. The NHS is failing us. I am in a similar situation to you regarding waiting for over 3 weeks now for 24hr holter and for cardiologist appointment. What is an acceptable time to wait? It seems like our life is in the hands of NHS....the longer we wait the more damage can occur to such a fragile organ as the heart.

Scary stuff I know!!!!

Do you still feel washed out and ill on a daily basis? I certainly do whereby I reach a point were energy is so low, heart so erratic, I can hardly walk.

I don't know where you live but wherever it is if you want a quicker appointment you could ask GP to refer you to other NHS hospitals even private ones that take NHS patients. My GP receptionist did this for me so I now have appointment for holter 23Dec at NHS hospital a bit further away from my local one. If you decide to do this for holter do ask for copy of the results to take with you when you get to see cardiologist.

Even thought I have appointment for holter with NHS also have appointment with a private cardiologist on 17 Dec for a consultation, not treatment as of yet. An American owned/run private hospital!!!!! Cannot believe I have done this because I oppose America infiltrating our health care and the cardiologist I am seeing will more than likely work for the NHS too.

I have taken out a loan to go private, get a diagnosis treatment....is this a sign of things to come.

I sincerely hope you get you heart sorted out. Take care

[Manhattan1 in reply to Firefl]

i’m in

Scotland.. hopefully holter matter will be sorted it couple of weeks..yep still feeling tired.. heart hit 44 last night.. if breathlessness and dizziness gets worse will go back to GP.. i’m willing to be patient regards Cardiology re-referral .. GP advised if i begin to feel really unwell with low heart rate not to

hesitate calling 999

[mark66uk]

I was diagnosed with atrial flutter 18 months ago. Generally controlled but heart rate gradually increased last year to normal rate of 100 to 110 bpm. I spoke to my GP was referred to cardiologist and seen within 2 weeks that was in March I have now had a 48 hour monitor and an echocardiogram last Monday and from that an appointment with cardiologist this coming Monday to look at an ablation. Can’t fault the speed of the NHS for me.