HR drops to 38

[MistyEliz]

Hi there, i’m a 25 y/o female and over the last year noticed that my HR was dropping from its resting HR of 76 down to around 36-39bpm, it stays like this for a few minutes and then shoots back up to normal. I originally went to the doctor because i thought it was palpitations but the Doc said palpitations tend to happen when the HR is higher not lower. So because it worsened to seven or 8 times a day i would feel these “palpitations” I was sent for a holter monitor but now i have to wait 2 weeks for the results, and knowing my doctor that will be 3/4weeks! Has anyone had anything similar happen? or know what could be happening to me. I have terrible anxiety and i know that the time whilst i wait for results will be hell. So if anyone can tell me what you think it may be or has any advice it would be greatly appreciated

[pnokio]

Hello Liz,

Well I can't help too much and I don't want to get your anxiety screaming - but (while not being a doctor) I think your doctor is right. I have a heart rate that from time to time drops into the forties - my doc swears all is well and, like yours, it rectfies itself (but not so quickly as yours) - and, ectopic beats excluded, I have no other symptoms whatsoever. But I would be inclined to stroll along to A&E if my heart rate dropped into the thirties - simply because I've seen the conversations between consultants and patients in 24hrs in A&E (they are always elderly patients) when the patient's heart rate is in the thirties. And I am now one of the elderly pationts myself - I'm 78. The answer to a sustained low heart rate is a pacemaker, whereas yours seems to be a blip of sorts, falls low for a bit and then immediately picks up - possibly because you are so young and your heart and system are so much stronger. I would just pop into A&E one day if you're unduly worried - they'll make a big fuss of you, and they'll have more time than your doctor to tell you what's what. Try not to let your anxiety get the better of you - I know from experience that it doesn't help

Best Wishes,

Patrick

[MistyEliz in reply to pnokio]

Hi thanks for your response unfortunately because it happens so infrequently throughout the day, times that i’ve went to a&e they’ve been unable to catch it.! also this doesn’t show up on an ECG! it’s concerning to say the least, thank you for getting back to me!