How low, is too low?

[Patsey07]

Hello all, I have bradycardia - think I have always had a low heart beat but the last 6 months it has been dipping lower and I am feeling unwell with it. Waiting for my first appointment with cardiologist but it’s a wait due to covid. I wear a garmin watch therefore I can monitor my heart beat. On Friday after a busy morning I felt dreadful and my heartbeat dipped to 34 - I put my feet up and it went back up to the 40’s. My question is how low can it go before I should be concerned??

[bantam12]

You are symptomatic so you are right to be concerned now, people vary in the rate they can tolerate, personally I couldn't go below 60bpm without feeling faint, I now have a pacemaker which prevents it. Call the Cardio clinic and push for a quicker appt.

[Patsey07 in reply to bantam12]

Thank you bantam and Gazchops for taking the time to reply.

I have been to A&E and spent the night - told I have sinus bradycardia. I am in touch with GP as signed off unfit for work (work on a hospital ward so a busy job) I have worn the ticker tape for 24hrs and have tried ringing cardiologist secretary etc., but so far to avail... been told to go to a&e..... I am chasing for a cancellation but they aren’t offering any earlier appointments than I have - I am trying not to stress about it ss know that’s no good either but does worry me. I have worked out its after exercise (walking the dog, house work) it’s falls low.

Calling to make another appointment with my gp.

[Hidden]

As Bantam says, you are symptomatic so you should be calling GP/Cardiologist ASAP.

For some people a HR in the 40's-50's & even 30's can be normal as they have no symptoms, as soon as symptoms are experienced then that is the 'alarm' bell.

[Hidden]

Bradycardia of this degree needs sorting out asap before you start flaking out.

Garmin watch. Runner? Late Lyme disease?

[Patsey07 in reply to Hidden]

Use to jog, wanted to start back again (hence the new Xmas watch) this is what flagged it as when I started trying to run again I felt dizzy, so have put that on hold for now unfortunately. I am scared to.... I have had a lot of blood tests - not sure about Lyme disease? I do walk every day so I am exercising but moderate

[Hidden in reply to Patsey07]

Lyme disease is a rare cause of cardiac arrhythmia. Matt Dawson, British Lions rugby player, was bitten by an infected tick in Richmond Park while jogging

bbc.com/news/health-40973709

It may occasionally be a couple of years between being bitten and heart problems developing. It’s very unlikely you have it. There is a blood test for it.

[Patsey07]

Thanks - spoke to a cardiac nurse a little while ago and she said the same thing. This getting old lark is taking some getting use to. Like your name this is exactly how I feel....