Low heart rate

[Andywags]

Is a resting heart under 45 while sleep ok? My I watch every night says that my heart rate drops below 45 for 10 minutes or more at least once or twice a night. I’ve read 40 to 60 is normal while sleeping but last night it dropped to 38. At what point should I get it checked? I’m not an athlete, I just get my steps in and run 5k a couple of times a week.

[Hidden]

Dear Andywags

Hello to you, it is very difficult on here to be able to give you advice on a reading off a watch.

All I can say { remember I’m not medically trained } is that any home readings are just a guide, and you should take an average reading over a week or so, as with the best will in the world our sleep pattern can affect the readings.

Looking back on your posts you seem a man that knows his body with all its whirrings and tickings, if you feel { not read } that there is something out of the normal for you, then get it checked out.

The worst bit is the worry, which I am sorry to say, cannot take from you.

Take care

[Andywags in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, feeling ok, get a few flutters at night but they don’t coincide with low heart rate. Like you say a watch is not going to be that accurate. If I feel any difference over the next few weeks I’ll get checked out again but due for a review in April.

[chickeninthewood in reply to Hidden]

I don't know what your watch function is but if you look at a pulseometer and the heart rate gives those readings, and especially at night when resting, it often means ectopic beats or afib. An ambulance doctor told me that. Its because when you go into a period of irregular heart rythm the device cannot register it correctly so it gives the wrong number.

[Andywags in reply to chickeninthewood]

Thanks, it’s an Apple Watch do not sure how it works it out but will find out.

[Andywags]

Thanks, interesting to know other people experience the same. My readings are from an Apple Watch so don’t it’s super accurate. Your readings are lower than mine but you maybe you’re fitter, are you very athletic?

[chickeninthewood]

A good heart resting rate is about 65,

[Andyman]

Mine is in the 40s resting over the course of a day. I had a blood pressure reading at the doctors and my pulse was 40 and they worried it would go below 40 at times. Been like this as long as I've been monitoring it and doesn't change. BUT I think you should talk to your GP tell him what you found. Take print outs of your heart rate. Nothing to lose by asking.

[colinus]

I think been told that if you have historically low HR don't worry.Mines been around 50 for at least 20 years.I thought until recently I was just efficient / fit.

Google it and frighten yourself!

If it's suddenly low then maybe an issue to be looked into.

[AdamJames157]

Hope you're well Andy.

I have recently been diagnosed with a leaking bicuspid aortic valve too. I note you have a similar diagnosis. I have a low resting heart rate. During the day it is typically around 51 or 52 and drops to around 47/48 when I am sleeping. If I am active it does increase.

I was previously very fit though. I am just waiting on further tests to see what will happen, ie. whether I require surgery soon or put on medication/monitored.

If anyone has any experience I would very much appreciate any advice/experience.

All the very best.

Adam

[Andywags in reply to AdamJames157]

Hi Adam, doing ok thanks but really worried too and get very anxious. I live in Spain. My story started as I get terrible headaches and went to the doctor. They did some tests including an ecg and it showed up an anomaly. I am still waiting for the state health care referral here a year later but I joined Sanitas (Bupa in Uk). They did an echocardiogram and diagnosed the bicuspid valve. I was really shocked but I wasn’t told it was leaking. I’ve not had any X-rays or MRI. They just monitor my BP and do blood tests every 6 months. I am chasing the state hospital referral and get no where! I still don’t know the cause of the headaches.

[AdamJames157]

I wish you all the best Andy. I know how you feel.

I was diagnosed with a leaking bicuspid valve. I have moderate to severe aortic regurgitation. Not sure what it means exactly yet in terms of operation/treatment.

I’ve been told I will need surgery at some point and I am waiting to find out more information following a Cardiac MRI scan.

I appreciate cardiologists are incredibly busy people but it would help if they explained things more while you wait for further tests as the mind does tend to overthink and worry. I’ve certainly done so any way.

I have high blood pressure so I’m hoping that they will at least give me treatment for it and I’ll hopefully get to the bottom of what’s going on soon.

I wish you all the very best. I’ve been told that some people with a bicuspid aortic valve cope well and don’t require surgery for many years, whereas others do. I suppose it depends on what they find.

Keep pushing for answers. I had to go private as my GP kept fobbing me off for ages saying I was a young fit and healthy male (despite v high blood pressure and feeling unwell). So I know how difficult things can be.

But keep in there and my very best wishes to you.