Low resting heart rate.: Hi, Any advice... - British Heart Fou...

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Low resting heart rate.

Boomergirl profile image
37 Replies

Hi, Any advice please? For a while now, my resting heart rate can be as low as 54 bpm, even when I feel really anxious.

I’ve mentioned it to my GP several times but he doesn’t seem concerned.

Im currently slowly tapering Mirtazapine a tetracyclic antidepressant which I was prescribed for being unable to sleep more than a couple of hours.

I’m 70 years old. I’m not super fit so I’m worried my heart rate is so low even when I feel very anxious.

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Boomergirl
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37 Replies

My heart rate is low to mid 50s when rested and seated and drops to low to mid 40s when in deep sleep and my GP said it's nothing to be concerned about. So I'm not.

Boomergirl profile image
Boomergirl in reply toLowerfield_no_more

Thank you. I think I worry too much!😁

Happyrosie profile image
Happyrosie

your GP doesn’t seem concerned, and nor should you be.

What you could be concentrating on are the things that you personally can influence; your diet and lifestyle. The BHF has good information on these issues on their website, so you could look there to see if your diet needs a bit of a tweak. And are you having enough exercise? I don’t mean going to the gym, but there is research to show that brisk walking - especially in nature - is good not just for the body but the mind too. And it does help,sleep, too!

if you feel that YOU are in control of things I’m sure this will help clear your mind.

Boomergirl profile image
Boomergirl in reply toHappyrosie

Thank you! I do get out and walk but maybe not enough. I think I worry too much!

Blackknight57 profile image
Blackknight57

my average is 54, so you are not alone. The lowest hr was 39, now up to 45.

Ennasti profile image
Ennasti

I also have a low resting rate. My cardiologist is said if I’m not feeling like I’m going to pass out, or have chest heaviness or similar, it’s ok. You don’t need your heart beating faster when resting.

30min-ambition profile image
30min-ambition in reply toEnnasti

I am exactly the same. I was initially worried but told the many tablets I am taking is brining it down.

Boomergirl profile image
Boomergirl in reply toEnnasti

Thank you 👍

Ewloe profile image
Ewloe

lots of people on heart medication have low resting heart rate. If you’re not symptomatic and your doctors okay with it. Maybe stop measuring it and listen to your body.

Boomergirl profile image
Boomergirl in reply toEwloe

I think you’re right, I need to listen to my body and relax !

Silvertail profile image
Silvertail

Mine is usually in the 50s when I'm sitting. It's not really low and doesn't bother me.

Andyman profile image
Andyman

My heart rate is in the 40s has been for as far as I can remember. Doctor told me to worry if it's in the 30s. Don't worry if in the 50s that's fine

Boomergirl profile image
Boomergirl in reply toAndyman

Thank you!

phollers profile image
phollers

Hi, resting heart rate is not an issue at 54 and especially not if your medical professionals don’t seem concerned. Mine is 50bpm thanks to drugs that I have to take and anxiety doesn’t make it change much either.

Sounds like you are also suffering from a lack of sleep which may be linked to your worry. It is important to raise this with your doctor as worry is a huge part of being unwell. Try looking at a sleep app on your phone/tablet. I have found the calm app helps me hugely and if you’d said that would be the case a couple of years ago, I would have laughed out loud and told you I don’t need that sort of thing! Now, I’d even go and hug a tree if I thought it might help me.

Anyway, bottom line is, 54 bpm is our new normal and you’ll have a few adjustments to make, but listen and talk to your doctors, they are there to help.

Boomergirl profile image
Boomergirl in reply tophollers

Thank you, I feel reassured by your answer. I’m worrying too much about it. I get scared that there’s something really wrong.

Mentdent profile image
Mentdent

That’s not very low.

Sanmo profile image
Sanmo

My RHR is in the high 30's to very low 40's, during sleep it drops to 33. I'm not on beta blockers. I was told this would in fact aid my recovery after my CA. Its been fully checked out and given the all clear. Get checked out and relax, you'll find there's lots of people with very low heartbeats living life to the full without any detrimental effects.

Boomergirl profile image
Boomergirl in reply toSanmo

Thank you!

David-66 profile image
David-66

hi Boomergirl,

My resting heart rate went from 70 pre heart attack to the low 50’s since being on the medication. It’s nothing to be concerned about. I take daily walks between 4-5 kilometres and the medication maintain my heart rate below 90bpm. The walks are good for the body and your mind.

I understand your anxiety, but you are not alone. The GP could suggest a local group you can attend to meet others who can help you through your concerns.

Boomergirl profile image
Boomergirl in reply toDavid-66

Thank you so much! I feel better from seeing yours and others’ responses,

David-66 profile image
David-66 in reply toBoomergirl

I’m glad you find some comfort and reassurances. I’m only 7 weeks into my journey post heart attack and like others finding people to talk to is helpful to understand you are not alone.

Boomergirl profile image
Boomergirl in reply toDavid-66

It does help to be reassured. I hope your recovery goes well ❤️

Survivor1952 profile image
Survivor1952

My RHR is in the mid 50’s and I can drop into the 40’s. My GP isn’t concerned about it.

Scotland111 profile image
Scotland111

had a heart attack 6 years ago at 54. Back in March I wasn’t feeling well went to A& E I was admitted as pulse was at 29. I was diagnosed with bigeminy and also having a pulse that can go really low for example down to 33 when sitting I can get some symptoms. Being investigated

Boomergirl profile image
Boomergirl in reply toScotland111

I hope it gets sorted and is ok

Jako999 profile image
Jako999

it’s not that low and unless you keep going dizzy or faint don’t let it worry you, mine often drops into high 40,s which really is to low. It’s not all about the speed the strength of the beat really matters ie your blood pressure. Most people would (pardon the pun) die a a heart rate in the mid 50’s.

Thanks

Boomergirl profile image
Boomergirl in reply toJako999

thank you. I think I worry too much!

Pauldoherty profile image
Pauldoherty

Am 62 and my resting heart rate is 45 but a do go to gym 4 days a week think 50 to 60 resting heart rate is good and if you're on medication for anxiety that would bring it down

Boomergirl profile image
Boomergirl in reply toPauldoherty

Thank you!

Hanaheart profile image
Hanaheart

don't sweat it - most healthy people have that low of a resting heart rate and much lower dependent upon if your exercise hard or not. The better shape you are in, the lower your heart rate...but yours at 54 is just fine. If it drops into the high 40s, then perhaps worry. I'm 72, with the same resting heart rate and not in great shape....but my heart is - so I'm told.

Boomergirl profile image
Boomergirl in reply toHanaheart

Thank you 🙂

timetabler profile image
timetabler

That's no problem. Mine went as low as 30 before I had a pacemaker fitted, which as set to 50. Now it often drops to 50 but of course never goes below.

Avagra profile image
Avagra

Hi I had a HA in Oct’22 and take bisoprolol to reduce my heart rate and mine is always between 53-58 which is totally acceptable

Boomergirl profile image
Boomergirl in reply toAvagra

Thank you

Furryears profile image
Furryears

my lowest is in the 40s when resting and normally sits around 53/54 a brisk walk takes it up to 60 into the 70s my doc didn’t seem too worried

My resting heart rate is 52-53. My cardiologist was quite happy. So try not to worry.❤

Boomergirl profile image
Boomergirl in reply to

Thank you. I just wish doctors would explain things properly.

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