Hi just looking for some advice really, I have been referred to a cardiologist as I have a slow heart beat, just wondering what they might do at my appointment.
Also does this condition tend to make you more tierd and generally feel rubbish? I work part time but it seems to be really taking it out of me at the min, could it be due to this.
Thanks
Hi Danielle
When you go to see the cardiologist they will do an ECG, before you see him, which will show just what your heart is doing at that time. Most of us also have a scan of the heart (echocardiogram) to check that all is structurally well (they usually are). Some scans show mild valve leakage, but this is common as we grow older and doesn't need attention.
Yes, having a slow heart rate can certainly make you feel very tired and lifeless. Some people may pass out with it too. Does your blood pressure go very low at the same?
I don't have bradycardia myself (have AF and tachycardia), but know someone who does.
Don't worry, as the cardiologist will have some ideas to get you right again. Fast and slow heart rates are extremely common. He may suggest wearing a small monitor for a while to see just how your heart functions over a period of time.
Please let us know how you get on and feel free to ask any questions.
Jean
Hi thanks for your reply, I'm only 34 and just feel I shouldn't be so tired after a 4 hour shift, I'm also stressing about it a bit as my brother passed away at 36 years old last May, suddenly and post mortem concluded heart arrhythmia
If you're sleeping well at night you certainly shouldn't be feeling so tired. Have you ever had a blood test to see how your thyroid is functioning as that can cause tiredness and a slow heart rate? If not ask your GP if you can have one, I'm sure he'll say yes.
Start making notes of all you want to tell the cardiologist and make sure you take them with you as our minds can suddenly go blank when we're sat in front of them.
Best wishes
Jean
How slow is your heart rate, does it come and go or is it slow all the time? Are you on regular medication? When is your appointment and are you in the UK?
I have bradycardia as well as tachycardia - sudden fast HR follow by sudden and prolonged drop to slow. Yes it does make you feel very tired, light-headed and somewhat disorientated - especially if you bend down or get up too quickly - need time to re-balance. They will do an ECG but should also arrange an echo cardiogram to check the heart itself is healthy - they should refer to an EP - electrophysiologist - a specialist in the electrics of the heart. You can have a perfectly healthy heart but the electrics are erratic causing it to misbehave. There are so many different causes of brad and tach and each case is relatively unique albeit common.
When you see the cardio don't be afraid to ask questions or say how you really feel - a good cardio will listen and help. Also be aware that any drugs they prescribe may not work for you so don't be afraid to say so - there are different sorts which work in different ways - some can make you feel worse which is why you need to say so and get a change if you need to.
Hope that helps.
Thank you wal4d, your comments gave me something to hang on to. I am 82 and get bradycardia 2-3 times a day lasting few minutes. Pulse down to 38-40, bp down to 92/44 was scary, felt life less. Paced around several minutes, went up and down 10 steps to basement few times, bps went up some, felt very tired, was 10pm.
This is exactly how I felt with my bradycardia but Iv had pacemaker put in for it. Pacemaker has helped in many other ways but sometimes I still feel tired and really lethargic because of it.
I had to have pacemaker because my heart rate was low as 30bmp and I also had tachycardia at the time same so my heart went into tachy Brady syndrome.
Hi there, I have diagnosed Bardycardia and have been to the cardiologist 3 times!!! I went just because of palpitations. My resting heart rate is typically 47. I used to be a runner but I am not an athlete anymore. The cardiologist did and echo-cardiogram, 3 halter/event monitors and stress test. They had me on the treadmill running up hill at full speed and still could not get my heart rate higher than 125!!! She told me it was just me and unless I start feeling faint not to worry. She also said NO to a pace maker because my rate is very regular, just slow. I still worry everyday, but am trying to live with it,
Thanks for sharing duchess1226. It helps to hear what others go through in bradycardia or tachy..
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