Working with bradycardia

[Malaoak]

Hi I have had heart problems for almost 18 years and in this last year I have got worse the bradycardia resting heart rate is mid 40 bpm this is causing all sorts of problems with poor circulation and fatigue. And cramps in lower legs Working is becoming harder to do.

I have asked my employers to reduce my work rate from 14-16 jobs down to 10-12 jobs per day. But having great difficulty making them understand that it's not a time constraint issue but that I need to take regular rest breaks.

As the main earner I can't afford to not work.

Hopefully someone on here has had similar experiences and maybe able to offer some advice.

[Mickey16]

Hi Malaoak, Have you had any recent investigations? If you have not, you should be raising your health concerns with your GP. You indicate that you feel your symptoms are in decline so request a referral to an EP. Listen to your body and raise your concerns. This will establish the evidence you need for your employer to take notice of you.

Regards.

[Malaoak in reply to Mickey16]

Hi yes I am seeing a cardiologist and have had a chest implant monitor put in and it has so far recorded 1 svt event so I am on the right path with them but my boss is a whole other story

[sarniacherie]

Are you on any medication? If you take beta-blockers their job is to reduce your heart rate so you may need to either decrease the dose or come off them altogether, with your doctors approval, of course. I used to take the lowest dose of Bisoprolol but it reduced my heart rate to 44 during the day dipping to 33 at night. I used to feel like a zombie and constantly tired, so I feel for you, I really do. The medics I see are not always terribly bothered about side effects from the drugs they prescribe. What I really need is a cardiologist who suffers from AF! Get some medical advice to show your employers you have a genuine condition. Look after yourself.

[sheffbk in reply to sarniacherie]

I'm sorry you are feeling so poorly, but my experience suggests that it won't be heart rate only as my resting is also mid 40s and has been for many years. I have constant atrial fibrillation and see a cardiologist but am only on apixaban ('blood thinner' anticoagulant) and I have a very active life. Maybe there are other circulation issues?

And from me also -- take care, hope things get better.

[Malaoak in reply to sheffbk]

Thank you yes it's not just the slow heart rate but the slow rate is making my circulation worse and I am so sure that's where the muscle fatigue and exhaustion come into play

[Malaoak in reply to sarniacherie]

Cheers for the response I am on beta blockers and agree 100% Drs really don't care about the side effects I am on the very lowest dose now but still have good and BAD days as for boss they have sent me to occupational health and their own Dr has explained it to them but the very next day it's back to normal with work no let up.