Heart beat in 50's: I am in my 70's and... - British Heart Fou...

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Heart beat in 50's

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9 Replies

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

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9 Replies
Ianc2 profile image
Ianc2

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

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AFLad in reply toIanc2

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 profile image
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.

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AFLad in reply toMountainGoat52

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 profile image
Ianc2 in reply toAFLad

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.

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AFLad in reply toIanc2

Thank you lanc2

MountainGoat52 profile image
MountainGoat52 in reply toAFLad

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 profile image
AFLad in reply toMountainGoat52

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 profile image
MountainGoat52 in reply toAFLad

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! 😀

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