Need advice with heart issues

Thanks you all for the responses. My doctor seems to be ok with my heart rate being low. I get lightheaded at times but not always when it’s low. I have a mild pain in my sternum but nothing insane. Just annoying. I believe to be condritis or reflux as I had a scope done they said I had a small hiatal hernia. I’m curious if that could cause some of my chest pains?

I will be done with my event monitor this week so hopefully nothing bad will come from that.

Ha ha! I do the same; I write down my questions and concerns and make 2 copies; one for myself and one for the doctor. I ask if he or she wants a copy.
I live in Canada. We go to the doctor or hospital; the secretary swipes the medicare card and that's it. Same goes for all procedures like MRIs or having a baby or whatever. As far as calling the doctor with questions; usually one is told to go in for an appointment. But if the question is for clarification and not something new, the doctor may call.
Our system is not functioning that well. Everyone has access to medical care but 1/3 of Montrealers for example, do not have a doctor. So we have to go to a clinic and wait for several hours. If it is something serious, you go to the emergency of a hospital and you are seen immediately. If you go to the hospital with the flu, you may wait for 6 hours because more serious cases come in ahead of you while you wait. Many immigrants go to hospital for minor illnesses.
I got fed up with having to wait for 3 hours to see a doctor (although I have specialists like a urologist and ENT whom I see...with a few weeks wait), and I joined a private clinic. It costs me $500 US per year; not a big deal. The care is same day, no wait and it's thorough. But the government is not that happy with private health care because it creates a 2 tier system; one for the 'rich' and one for everyone else.
I read that Americans spend way more on health care than any other country. I suspect because patients are very litigious in the US so a doctor will order every test in the book to cover his %$#@&. A missed diagnosis can cost the doctor dearly. My friend's mother had a cardiac catheterization but the doctor...and the staff at the hospital FORGOT to check what meds she was on...and one was a blood thinner and she bled to death. There was no lawsuit. I don't know that I would have been so forgiving. If you sue here for medical malpractice, you may get something but not that much. So I think maybe that is why we probably don't go for as many tests although any and all are available at no cost.
Are YOU okay with your heart rate being so low? You say you feel weak or faint. When I was on beta blockers my heart was at 80 bpm whether I was sleeping or on a treadmill.
Ciao for niao! Robin

I feel ok. At times I feel the lightheadedness but that happens even when rate is normal.

My first question is: Are you taking any medications? That would be my first guess as to what is causing the slow pulse.

Lisinopril causes bradycardia.. for heaven's sake! Your doctor didn't mention this???

@jadillow if your doctor hasn't mentioned lisinopril can cause bradycardia, get another doctor.

No. I have been taking this for years and apparently this just started a few months back. What should I do as I have hypertension as well. I am on amdolopine 5 mg as well

I just read the drug monograph for Lisinopril, it mentions one time; under Cardiac side effects; Bradycardia. Bradycardia is in the list with PVCs, Afib, and many other things as possible side effects. I also read this: "The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Zestril", it doesn't once mention Bradycardia. There are articles at the National Institutes of Health that identified marked hypotension and Bradycardia when Lisinopril is used with certain other medications.

I think she should call her doctor, or schedule to see him, or her, and detail her concerns.

@jadillow that doesn't mean the drug is not causing the bradycardia. Maybe it isn't but it is surely a top reason. Our bodies change - weight loss, age. We take other medications or formulations of drugs may change slightly.. Because you took the drug for years doesn't mean it isn't causing the problem now. There are a host of medications you can take for hypertension if lisinopril is causing the problem. The fact your doctor has not discussed drug side effects is appalling to me. But patients also tend to not want to ask too many questions, I find. To not ask questions is too often to do so at your peril. I cannot diagnose you but I have little doubt as to the cause of your problem. My advice is to find a cardiologist who will consider the drug connection. I will not be commenting further but leave you with this link FYI> Interesting case study from Emory re: bradycardia in woman taking your medications. Case Presentation:A 42‐year‐old white woman with a past medical history of hypertension was referred to cardiology for symptomatic bradyarrhythmia. https://www.shmabstracts.com/abstract/a-case-of-symptomatic-bradycardia-from-amlodipine/

Is it possible your slower heart rate is unrelated to med you haven taken for years? Sometimes meds will uncover changing conditions with our hearts. My case....taking an anti arrhythmia drug uncovered sinus node dysfunction. It causes brachycardia. Verdict is out still w cardiologists whether it causes aFib or aFib causes sinus node dysfunction. Finally, after experiencing rates in the 40’s and 50’s, I agreed to a pacemaker recommended by my Mayo Clinic EP cardiologist.( he had been telling me for 4 yrs I needed PM). Boy, do I feel better. No pauses or slow rates. I take Sotalol to minimize aFib which causes very slow bpm). My PM is set at 60 bmp on low end - 130 bmp high end to allow for exercise. Hope this helps. A 14 day event monitor will give your Dr info he needs.