Worried about low heart rate and long haul COVID

Posted by dubecates @dubecates, Jun 13, 2022

I had PMR then RA. I also got covid 2x. I Had 2 J& j vaccinations.
Since then I have been experiencing heart rate drops every night while sleeping between 40-50 several times a night? I mentioned it to my cardiologist but he didn't follow up or seem that concerned.
Has anyone else experienced same symptoms. I think I may be a long hauler as my smell is significantly diminished too?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

@dubecates, according to the discussion here, I've seen most people reporting an increase in their heart rate. See this discussion:
- Post-Covid Racing Heartbeat? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/covid-1/

I can understand your concern. Bradycardia, or a low heart rate, is more likely as you age and could be a sign of health issues, but not necessarily. According to this article
- Is a Slow Heart Rate Good or Bad for You? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-a-slow-heart-rate-good-or-bad-for-you/

"If your heart rate is slow, but you don’t have symptoms, there’s no reason to worry. However, it’s a good idea to know the signs of trouble because bradycardia in some cases does require treatment."

@dubecates, what made you aware of the low heart rate at night? Do you have symptoms or did you notice it through an app or monitor?

REPLY

Hi what is pmra? Can you please explain it in layman’s terms. Good luck to you with everything but I suggest you find another doctor that will listen to you.

REPLY
@colleenyoung

@dubecates, according to the discussion here, I've seen most people reporting an increase in their heart rate. See this discussion:
- Post-Covid Racing Heartbeat? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/covid-1/

I can understand your concern. Bradycardia, or a low heart rate, is more likely as you age and could be a sign of health issues, but not necessarily. According to this article
- Is a Slow Heart Rate Good or Bad for You? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-a-slow-heart-rate-good-or-bad-for-you/

"If your heart rate is slow, but you don’t have symptoms, there’s no reason to worry. However, it’s a good idea to know the signs of trouble because bradycardia in some cases does require treatment."

@dubecates, what made you aware of the low heart rate at night? Do you have symptoms or did you notice it through an app or monitor?

Jump to this post

My I watch monitors it

REPLY
@tee68

Hi what is pmra? Can you please explain it in layman’s terms. Good luck to you with everything but I suggest you find another doctor that will listen to you.

Jump to this post

Hi @tee68 I think what you’re referring to is PMR which is Polymyalgia-rheumatica and RA is Rheumatoid Arthritis. Both of them are autoimmune diseases.
In our Mayo Clinic site there were 2 good articles describing the symptoms and treatments for both of these conditions.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polymyalgia-rheumatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20376539https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353648

I know that you’re experiencing some longterm Covid symptoms. Did you also have a change in your heart rate?

REPLY

Is it sustained , if not, maybe thats why cardiologist not concerned.
Is it only at night ? Did you get checked for sleep apnea ?

REPLY

I not overweight and I don’t snore. Never got checked for sleep apnea.
I will discuss with my cardiologist

REPLY

I was worried about same thing but noticed at week 3-4 my heart rate went back to normal during sleep according to app. I do have sleep apnea so definitely recommend that. I believe my lower heart rate was bc I was less active than normal so it wasn’t really going very high either as normal. Seems now that I’m back doing errands and walking more it is back to normal.

I also went to cardiologist and he wasn’t concerned as I had no other symptoms. You could ask for a 24-48 heart monitor if you wanted from your dr as a way to ease worry. My dr said to throw my watch in trash as it was diminishing my quality of life focused intensely on data from app. I kind of agree with him so stopped seating at night. He did echocardiogram and with sleep study test I did post Covid acute infection they also test for heart rate and oxygen and do ekg so that’s even better to get sleep study assessment done. You get even better data to make informed decisions and ease worry.

REPLY

I will definitely ask for the real heart monitor to see if it coincides with my watch app. Thanks

REPLY

I was diagnosed with a low heart rate at night (40) when I was 30 year of age. I am now 70 & very active.

REPLY
@sav4

I was diagnosed with a low heart rate at night (40) when I was 30 year of age. I am now 70 & very active.

Jump to this post

I’m in my 60s and it just started this year. I had COVID 2nd time in January! Wondered if it caused this.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.