bradycardia -- what's a too-low heart rate?

Posted by Solo Act @soloact, Nov 27, 2017

I wear a Fitbit Charge HR, which has a heart monitor that is pretty accurate (within a beat or two of what hospital instruments say) except for sudden spikes up or down. My heart rate is now in the high 40s at rest, has been as low as 38 while asleep, is usually in the 50s during the daytime but can get into normal range if I'm active. I can't get anyone at my primary care or cardiologist's office to give me an idea of what's so long that I should call them! I'm betting that below 40 is a concern, but all they've said is that heart rates lower when we're asleep. Duh! I know that. What I want to know is at what point should I seek their help if that happens.

Does anybody know?

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My heart rate has been as low as 42 and it was because of skipped beats. I also have A fib where it goes up to 200. I'm all over the place. I don't know the answer to your question. My doctor wasn't real concerned about my low of 42 because it didn't last long. Does it make you feel tired? I would ask the doctors for more information about what you should do. It is difficult enough without the unknown. I hope you find an answer and become more regular and a little higher.

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I have very low energy, and the lowering rate lately COULD be related to taking the generic form of Cymbalta, an antidepressant. Prosac, a different kind, definitely lowers my heart rate (their current patient handout even says it can cause bradycardia, and it might be why I have it, because I took Prozac off and on for decades, of necessity). If it's not life-threatening, I'll just adapt, as I've been trying to do. I think the worst that would happen is that I'd faint. However, I have severe sleep apnea, so sudden cardiac arrest is a concern, too (I use CPAP). A very good way to go, in my opinion, but too often it's a stroke that results in brain damage or paralysis rather than simply death.

This is all such fun, isn't it?

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@soloact

I have very low energy, and the lowering rate lately COULD be related to taking the generic form of Cymbalta, an antidepressant. Prosac, a different kind, definitely lowers my heart rate (their current patient handout even says it can cause bradycardia, and it might be why I have it, because I took Prozac off and on for decades, of necessity). If it's not life-threatening, I'll just adapt, as I've been trying to do. I think the worst that would happen is that I'd faint. However, I have severe sleep apnea, so sudden cardiac arrest is a concern, too (I use CPAP). A very good way to go, in my opinion, but too often it's a stroke that results in brain damage or paralysis rather than simply death.

This is all such fun, isn't it?

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I have bradycardia and I usually have low pulse rate at night. It goes into the 40’s. I exercise a lot by walking or using a machine to exercise if I cannot walk outside. I take Lisinopril but only a half pill of 20mg when needed. The cardiologist was to put a pacemaker but we keep extending when. I am 77 years young I take no meds at all. Just coQ10 on empty stomach , magnesium at 10 potassium at 12. magnesium at 8pm. . Sometimes I take b 12 when my body tells me, I get a little redness on the corner of my eyes.

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Hello @norma12 and welcome to Mayo Connect.

I admire all that you are doing with meds, supplements as well as exercise to maintain your health. I appreciate you sharing some of your techniques in dealing with your bradycardia.

Do you have any questions to pose to our group?

I look forward to hearing from you again.

Teresa

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@hopeful33250

Hello @norma12 and welcome to Mayo Connect.

I admire all that you are doing with meds, supplements as well as exercise to maintain your health. I appreciate you sharing some of your techniques in dealing with your bradycardia.

Do you have any questions to pose to our group?

I look forward to hearing from you again.

Teresa

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Hi has anyone done the diet recommended to reverse heart ❤️ diseases?

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I just had ICM (implantable cardiac monitor, LINC implanted last Thursday due to erratic heart beat. Low as 37 at night and high up to 161. Doctor said anything in low 30's is cause for alarm, which is why he did the procedure. There is no diet that can reverse heart disease, I have an enlarged heart, can not be reversed with diet , per my doctor. He said to lose weight and exercise, would be bet thing for my heart.

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heart arrhythmia , or Afib, but see a cardiologist ASAP

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In reply to @geri93008 "Bradycardia" + (show)
@geri93008

Bradycardia

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Hi @geri93008, do you have bradycardia? What are your most concerning symptoms?

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No I have never been diagnosed with bradycardia. My HR averages about 60. My must concerning issues is the tightness in my neck and chest. No medicine seems to help. I am currently in treatment for Multiple Myeloma started 7/09/20 and one of the drugs is dexamethasone (steroid) and could be to blame but then again I've dealt with the tightness off and on this year Very frustrating!

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