Bradycardia + RA anyone else?

[Brushwork]

My first inkling that I have a low HR was when I joined a gym in my early 30's, during my fitness assessment it was noted that my HR was as low as that of an elite athlete... (in case you wondered, I am not and never have been lol).

Then I saw a herbalist and he was horrified that my HR was 48bpm, while sitting in his consulting room.

Now I have an activity/smart watch and monitor it, well, sort of. At rest I average 45, the lowest point tends to be 41 during sleep.

I recently read that this is not uncommon in RA patients so I wondered if you could shine any further light on this? Do any of you have low HR i.e. Bradycardia?

[Hidden]

Very interesting.. 17 years ago I had to have a small procedure and they said my HR was 45 and I must be very fit 😂😂 at the time I had just had a baby and believe me I wasn’t . My HR is always low much lower than my 17 year old so who is a competitive swimmer. Never made the connection

[sylvi]

My hubby has a low heartbeat as well. He was told the same as you that you have the heartbeat of a athlete. It is causing him some problems with his bp at the moment. xxx

[Horse_and_hound in reply to sylvi]

Hi Sylvi, can I ask in what way there is a problem with his BP?I have a low HR (between 48 and 55 generally) but have never known of a link with BP. Nor RA come to that.

So much to learn!

[sylvi in reply to Horse_and_hound]

Well his bp was continuley high and it wasn't stable at all. If he gets a infection his bp goes through the roof. His heartbeat was causing the drs some concern as it was often below 50 and it was making him slow down to a degree it made him ill. xxx

[Horse_and_hound in reply to sylvi]

Thank you for explaining Sylvi. I am so sorry to hear about your husband's condition, I do hope that he improves soon and and has no more infections. Best regards to you both. xx

[MoniqueB]

My heart rate lowered about 8 years ago. Prior to then it was the 70s, but now is in the low 60s (I just took it and it's 61). Sometimes it dips into the 50s. As with you, I associated this change with my RA.

[Thingybob]

I was always told the same, averaged 55 bpm or less. Since RA its up to 60 bpm plus , i put it down to less activity and reduced fitness. My bp also spiked and is controlled by drugs where previously I had the "the bp of a child " . So ... Who knows ? Could be age, lack of fitness, RA , drugs, stopping exercise etc etc . Could be heredity as my dad had slow heart rate and perfect bp until his 90s and he had RA but no drugs ????

[Dobcross1]

Yes, I do - and I have never even thought about that and RA being connected. I really do learn something new every day on this forum, thank you.

[Song29]

Yes at my very first RA appointment I was told I had the heart rate of an elite athlete, I was no athlete. I have since put on loads of weight and still averages in the 50’s. Sometimes it drops into the 40’s . I only know this by looking on my app. Not very often I get a racing heartbeat but put that down to my age/hormones. So it’s interesting to read others are the same.