Low heart rate

[annette12]

My heart rate has been low this past few days. Its normally between 75-80BPM but has dropped to 56BPM. Why does this happen?

[shaws Administrator]

A low heart rate is a clinical symptom of hypo - maybe you need an increase in dose.

[DOLLYJASPER]

Hi In response to your query relating to a slow heart rate, although I do not have any thyroid problems, three weeks ago I had a total knee replacement and after the op I was informed that my heart rate was running between 30 to 40 beats per minute. They looked into my medical history and found that I had been taking beta blockers for raised blood pressure for about 15 years, they kept me in hospital for a bit longer decided to half my beta blocker dosage and my heart rate is now somewhere about 54 bpm. Which set me thinking why have I never had an appraisal over the years by my doctors practise.?

[Heloise]

Annette, since your thyroid regulates your metabolism, it will affect your heart rate and breathing and beyond that, your heart needs T3. I noticed when I was under dosed, as Shaws mentions, my heart would become slow but usually when I was resting. If I was exerting myself, I would get nauseous and then go down. I think your heart and respiration are just responding to their capacities. So, even though I was barely in range with my FT3 and FT4, it was not enough, you have to have the right levels for you.