Heart beat in 50's

[AFLad]

I am in my 70's and have atrial fibrillation, I also have high blood pressure which are both controlled with medication. I have always had a heart beat of between 60 to 68, however for the last 7 days that has dropped as low as 50 and maintained a sub 60 reading. Can anyone suggest why this might be or how to correct it. Thanks

[Ianc2]

Assuming it is a resting rate - do you take any regular exercise?

[AFLad in reply to Ianc2]

Hi thank you for responding, I check BP & pulse everyday after shave/showering first thing in morning. I have recently taken pulse during day as well. I endeavour to do between 6,000 & 10,000 steps a day, yesterday I checked BP/Pulse straight after my 6k step walk and pulse was 64, but back to 54 this morning.

[MountainGoat52]

Presumably you have not had any changes to your medication. Just wondering whether you are on a beta blocker. Without more information, it is not possible to comment.

[AFLad in reply to MountainGoat52]

Hi thank you for responding, I have been on beta blockers (bisoprolol) since having AF for a few years. The only change in meds was a 30 day course of tamsulosin (for enlarged prostate) which has been completed. There was no impact on the pulse whilst taking course.

[Ianc2 in reply to AFLad]

I have a fitbit and usually record somewhere near 8-10,000 steps a day. My resting heart rate is usually 50-54 bpm and fairly steady at that. I am 75 and the last time I saw my cardiologist he was not worried, as long as it doesn't spike downwards.

[AFLad in reply to Ianc2]

Thank you lanc2

[MountainGoat52 in reply to AFLad]

Many thanks for the reply. My only thought is whether the course of Tamsulosin has in someway enhanced the effectiveness of the Bisoprolol. It is probably worthwhile having a chat with your GP about the sudden drop in pulse rate. As others have said, a pulse rate in the 50s is nothing unusual, particularly when on a beta blocker. Mine sometimes drops into the upper 40s when I am sat relaxing, so I am careful when I stand up on such occasions!

[AFLad in reply to MountainGoat52]

Thanks again for your reply, I was informed by GP that tamsulosin may affect BP so we adjusted lisinopril by a third (from 30 to 20) for the duration of the course, which has since increased Lisinopril back to original 30. At no time did GP suggest that a reaction might occur with Bisoprolol, and to be honest Pulse remained in normal 60+ range throughout.It was useful to hear your comments regarding your resting rate and that this had been accepted by the cardiologist. May thanks again.

[MountainGoat52 in reply to AFLad]

A pulse rate in the 50s is similar to most fit athletic people and I do try to keep reasonably fit so that I can go out hill walking when the situation allows. I am only on 1.25mg of Bisoprolol which I got reduced from 3.75mg as I was almost passing out at times. My GP wasn't happy at first, so I told him I would cut the pill in half. Where needs must! 😀