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I have Bradacardia - when do I need a pacemaker?

Posted by joseph9 @joseph9, May 21 12:24am

Hi I am 74 and have always had a low heart rate 50-60s.
I had cataract surgery in August 2024 and while being prepped the nurse saw my HR was 33. Dr gave me something and I made an appointment with a cardiologist. I wore a heart monitor for 2 weeks. After reviewing the results the Dr
Said although my avg HR was low he did not prescribe a pacemaker or drug as my avg heart rate was above the range .
He said the medical board modified the requirement for a pacemaker as too many were being prescribed.
I believe he said my avg HR was low 40
I was supposed to have an appointment in March but the Dr called and said I didn’t need to come in since everything was ok. I have an Oximeter -HR monitor
My heartbeat is usually 45-55 but will suddenly drop to 30 or lower and then move back to 40’s all with in a minute.
I excercise regularly and my HR goes to 60’s but drops down rather quickly to 50’s.
Earlier this evening my heart rate went from 50 down to 26-27 for about a minute then I got up and rate goes up to 45-50
I took a video of the device to document
I haven’t had a problem with dizziness
Only occasionally
I play golf 4 times a week
7 handicap
Hoping I’m still ok
Should I talk to Dr about a pacemaker or is their an alternative
Thanks
Joseph

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Profile picture for rfk
rfk | @rfk | Oct 6 6:45pm
In reply to @concern "May 25, 2025. I'm am new to this forum. I have not been diagnosed by a..." + (show)
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May 25, 2025. I'm am new to this forum. I have not been diagnosed by a Cardiologist to have Bradycardia. I have been having a slow resting rate in the low 50s 's for several months. I'm not active do to other issues So l don't think my resting heart rate shouldn't be that low. As l'm writing this l just checked and my watch showed 52 bpm. I have been lightheaded but never falling down or passing out. I'm going to try to see a cardiologist as soon as I can. I was just wondering if someone could give some advice. Should I seek medical attention now at the ER.
Can it wait until l can see a cardiologist. At what point is the heart rate considered dangerously too low. Anyway advice would be welcomed.

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@concern It's worth remembering, and is perhaps consoling, that not all Medical Associations consider 60 to be the lower limit for BC diagnosis. I looked at 15 countries and 7 use this number. Another 7 use 50-60 (all Scandinavian and Baltic countries). Two (including the UK) use 50 as the lower limit. It is important I think not to fixate on a particular number when the medical profession cannot agree. Hope this helps.

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karinkb | @karinkb | Oct 6 7:21pm

I would get a second opinion. Your cardiologist sounds uninterested

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