dealing with symptoms of low resting heart rate

[Misss_r3d]

Hi

I have a low RHR (around 45), which lowers even during phases of my menstrual cycle (down to 35-37bpm). I have had an ECG which confirmed the low RHR. I wouldn't be bothered by it, but when my RHR lowers I experience dizziness, brain fog and significant fatigue. I have been to the GP repeatedly - their view is this isn't a problem.

I'm posting because I want advice on how to deal with these symptoms (I have given up with the GP listening). I want to know how best to manage and alleviate these symptoms, for example when my HR is low should I deliberately try and increase it to improve how I feel? are there any foods / anything else I can try?

At the moment, I am going through 3-4 days a month feeling absolutely dreadful and struggling to move with fatigue and dizziness so any help gratefully received.

Thanks

[Coxtribe]

My resting heart rate is in the mid 50s and it drops to the low 40s when asleep. However, this is normal for me and I don't experience any symptoms. You might find the following advice provided by the BHF useful...

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo....

It might also be helpful to direct your GP to the following guidance so that they can arrange for an investigation (e.g. ECG) to help eliminate this and other potential causes...

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

I hope this helps. Good luck.

[DickyValve]

Pacemaker?

[Elguajiro]

Hi Misss_r3d, I also suffered with low resting heart rate which never bothered me. I had it for a number of years until I was in hospital for unrelated condition. My obs brought it up on a few occasions but they weren't too concerned about it. before my discharge I was on 4 hrly obs and at 4am it was 32, well what did you expect I said its 4 am. Short story now I have pacemaker I don't feel any different but its now always around 58-60. See if you can get an ECG

[EMBoy]

Your symptoms of fatigue and dizziness are warning signs that your GP should be concerned about, and I'm surprised he hasn't referred you to a cardiologist.

I had the same symptoms as you for about a year before I finally blacked out and collapsed. I now have a pacemaker which keeps my HR above 55 bpm and has turned my life around. The scary thing for me was that if I had blacked out five minutes later, I would have been driving my car. You don't want that to happen.

If you Google "bradycardia" there is some useful information, but don't be frightened by everything you read.

All the best.

[HedgeHogHome]

Hi,

I have a resting heart rate which is usually 47. It is because my heart misses a beat every so often. It was first picked up when my hip was replaced 12 years ago (Level 2 heart block). I had it checked out and told no cause for concern. Last October I had a stent inserted and as a result of all the observations one doctor suggested I may need a pacemaker. The Consultant said absolutely not. I do feel tired, and lightheaded sometimes but not sure what to put that down to!!

I hope you manage to get it checked out, starting with an ECG.