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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I was at 33pulse - The best option was for me to get a pacemaker...now its normalized. Its a permanent pacemaker, Im making dietary changes, but I know it was they right move. Anything below 6O pulse is dangerous - stroke or heart attack can ensue

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@trumpylatino

I was at 33pulse - The best option was for me to get a pacemaker...now its normalized. Its a permanent pacemaker, Im making dietary changes, but I know it was they right move. Anything below 6O pulse is dangerous - stroke or heart attack can ensue

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A low heart rate is not necessarily dangerous if it is normal for you. I was an athlete for a number of years and 40 was quite normal for me. It is for most athletes you will find (or, at least lower than 60). I may be wrong, but the big concern is a low heart rate with a high blood pressure combined.
Good luck ith the diet trumpylatino - it definitely worked for me. I was on medication a few years ago and did far worse, so I personally won't make that my choice; however, a pacemaker may be required. We shall see, I suppose.
I wish all of us well! Heart disease is the number one killer and diet is significantly connected...that much I am sure of.

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@spmgka

I too have a very low heart rate - usually hovers around 38 to 40. I have done a fair bit of research on bradycardia, and from what I understand; it really isn't a concern UNLESS it's a change. In other words, if your heart has always beat slowly, then that's your normal. I certainly am not a doctor or any kind of health care practitioner, but I've seen a few doctors and they all say the same thing - including a cardiologist. What is of concern, from what I understand, is the blood pressure related to the slow heart. I went to the hospital the other day because my systolic pressure was over 200 - now with a slow heart rate - that could be serious.
I also know that I have had a heart murmur my whole life, so perhaps there are some issues there. In any event, if you are interested, I can send you links to what I have read about bradycardia.

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Hi - just read your post on bradycardia. I would so appreciate any info . I have had bradycardia for a long time but my rate at sleep is as low as 26- I’m panicking and my heart stops for 5.2 secs 1time in 14 days with monitor. And now I’ve been experiencing lightheaded ness .Otherwise have lots of energy and feel good . Just scared to go to sleep . 12 yrs ago the heart stopped at sleep for 2.3 sec . So it’s getting longer . This is all so worrisome . Any thoughts? Advice?🙏

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Hi - I too have a very low heart rate during sleep( 26) at times and the heart has stopped once. for 5.2 sec. This has prob been going on for awhile . But I recently asked my cardiologist to let me wear a monitor( 14) days - then found about the very low rate and heart stopping . I knew I had bradycardia but it seems to be getting worse. However I feel energetic / very active but having dizziness now. What the next step ?? Ugh

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The answer for my bradycardia...HR 31 when I was admitted to the hospital... was a pacemaker. I am very happy with it. I can now do all the things I enjoy without worrying about dizziness and fatigue.

I would definitely ask your cardiologist about a pacemaker.

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@lorettameredit

Hi - just read your post on bradycardia. I would so appreciate any info . I have had bradycardia for a long time but my rate at sleep is as low as 26- I’m panicking and my heart stops for 5.2 secs 1time in 14 days with monitor. And now I’ve been experiencing lightheaded ness .Otherwise have lots of energy and feel good . Just scared to go to sleep . 12 yrs ago the heart stopped at sleep for 2.3 sec . So it’s getting longer . This is all so worrisome . Any thoughts? Advice?🙏

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Hi Loretta
Have you ever had sleep apnea tested? That is frightening for sure. The other question I would have is do you exercise on a fairly regular basis to get your heart rate up and working?
Heart conditions are so scary, and I know in my case, the testing is moving very, very slowly. Have you had the stress test and an echocardiogram?

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@spmgka

Hi Loretta
Have you ever had sleep apnea tested? That is frightening for sure. The other question I would have is do you exercise on a fairly regular basis to get your heart rate up and working?
Heart conditions are so scary, and I know in my case, the testing is moving very, very slowly. Have you had the stress test and an echocardiogram?

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My cardiologist did not do echo nor stress test during these episodes - just heart monitors 2x. Seeing an EP in July and maybe start with a loop monitor I was told by others . Someone told me to wear a certain lightweight vest or garment that detects your heart rate at night and will shock it back into rhythm or an Apple Watch that will buzz and wake you to indicate a dangerously low heart rate . Anyone hear of these? The dizziness is really nerve racking .

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I did however get evaluated for sleep apnea - my is very mild . Thank you all for your comments . Keep in touch and vice versa

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I had five episodes of syncope over the past two years. The last two were within three weeks. My cardiologist didn’t seem too concerned. The last one was on April 17 in a supermarket parking lot. I regained awareness surrounded by paramedics. Admitted to hospital and told them my story. My cardiologist was on holiday and before he left he said we would talk about monitoring my heart when he got back. I didn’t have to wait! Doctor at hospital did the implant and I was home with a pacemaker and steady heart before he got back.

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@lorettameredit

My cardiologist did not do echo nor stress test during these episodes - just heart monitors 2x. Seeing an EP in July and maybe start with a loop monitor I was told by others . Someone told me to wear a certain lightweight vest or garment that detects your heart rate at night and will shock it back into rhythm or an Apple Watch that will buzz and wake you to indicate a dangerously low heart rate . Anyone hear of these? The dizziness is really nerve racking .

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I personally have not heard of the jacket or vest you're referring to, unless you mean the holter monitor that you wear for 24 hours. I haven't heard about the watch either, but I am not very up on technology. It must be awful - I know I'm afraid with my issues, but to fall asleep and have your heart stop - that's scary. I wish you all the best in figuring out what the cause of this is.

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