Not MM: Low heart rate?

[imojoebunny]

My DH has always had a pretty low heart rate, but lately, it has been going even lower.  His heart rate has been around 45 for many, many years, but lately, he has been having some dizziness, and shortness of breath when running/playing hockey, so he went to the cardiologist and had a bunch of test (he is 49). 

The test were today and the only unusual thing is that his heart rate drops to 36-38 at times.  

The cardiologist will get back to him on Monday.  Anyone ever heard of someone having a problem with this?  

I dont want want to talk to my friends about this stuff at this point.  Google is no help.  I have to go out for a bit, but will be back.  

[aurora]

Is he a serious athlete? I've known people with resting heart rates in the high 30s who were extreme athletes (active in cardio sports like distance running). However, in general your heart rate should respond to your activity level and they weren't having problems with dizziness. Does he also have low blood pressure? That can be linked to dizziness. All of that said, if he's having trouble that's more recent then it's a good thing he saw a doctor, and I hope he gets it straightened out ASAP!

(not a medical doctor, just an athlete)

[imojoebunny]

Mar 5, 2015 14:11:33 GMT -5 aurora said:

Is he a serious athlete? I've known people with resting heart rates in the high 30s who were extreme athletes (active in cardio sports like distance running). However, in general your heart rate should respond to your activity level and they weren't having problems with dizziness. Does he also have low blood pressure? That can be linked to dizziness. All of that said, if he's having trouble that's more recent then it's a good thing he saw a doctor, and I hope he gets it straightened out ASAP!

(not a medical doctor, just an athlete)

He is athletic, but not as much as he was in his 30's.  His blood pressure ranges from 110/70 to 120/80, so pretty normal.  

The he problem is the dizziness and shortness of breath, but the below 40 heart rate was the only thing the tech identified as strange.  

[lizlemon19]

I do, and can faint at times. I have been seen by a specialist and been cleared. I am active but in no way an athlete. It happened once while hiking and once after spin class.

He should see a doctor. I was told to add salt to my food.

[IIOY]

I have a relatively low rate and very low blood pressure,* which can cause me serious dizziness if I stand up too quickly. Frequently after standing, I must either drop to my knees or lean against the wall to keep from falling over, and I have blacked out on multiple occasions. My doctor has never been concerned, since I can fix this by standing up slowly. However, I've never experienced the shortness of breath issue. I will be interested to hear what the cardiologist says.

*Both are genetic, although I have always been an athlete. A few years ago, my mother started experiencing issues with her heart rate suddenly dropping precipitously. She wore a monitor for a while and now takes medication to steady her pressure.

[kaylie]

Mine is usually in the low 40s and I'm not athletic at all. I get faint/dizzy sometimes, mostly when I'm getting blood drawn or haven't had enough fluids. Is he drinking enough water?

[dirtyred]

It happens.  He may end up with a pacemaker.

[imojoebunny]

Mar 5, 2015 14:52:05 GMT -5 kaylie said:

Mine is usually in the low 40s and I'm not athletic at all. I get faint/dizzy sometimes, mostly when I'm getting blood drawn or haven't had enough fluids. Is he drinking enough water?

This could be part of it, along with the sodium.  He has been eating differently, since January, much less sodium.  

[Deleted]

Yes low resting heart rate happens, I'm sure his doctor is familiar with this. 

I'm sure waiting for the test results sucks, but I hope his cardiologist has a good plan for him so that he doesn't have symptoms. 

[audry80]

My FIL had a low heart rate for 60 years with no problems. He now has a pacemaker that keeps his heart rate higher, he started to pass out from it dropping too low.

[Emerald1486]

I have a naturally low heart rate as well.
There is also a condition called Bradycardia in which your heart naturally beats slow, and can suddenly drop. Has he been evaluated for this?

[imojoebunny]

Mar 6, 2015 7:49:47 GMT -5 Emerald1486 said:

I have a naturally low heart rate as well.
There is also a condition called Bradycardia in which your heart naturally beats slow, and can suddenly drop. Has he been evaluated for this?

They did all the test yesterday, and the doctor will call today or Monday.  He definitely has a heart rate well below 60, and has for ever.  He mentioned it dropping below 40 during the testing.

[lillaguma]

I have always had a lower heart rate and low blood pressure, and it seems to run in my family (a lot of us have the problem of feeling dizzy when we stand up, and occasionally falling down/having to sit back down right away.)

My dad recently had to go see a cardiologist because his heart rate was very low. He has been an athlete much of his life - used to run marathons - but now is not nearly as active as he is getting older. They haven't found anything wrong yet other than that his heart rate gets extremely low sometimes - down in the 30s when he is sleeping - but they are still running a few tests. I hope that your husband can get some answers - it is stressful, but I hope that they won't find any serious issues. Stay away from google!