Low heart rate

marco79

marco79

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I've been to my GP on Friday for my bi-annual checkup. My blood pressure was 140/90 but even more concerning was my low heart rate of 55bpm. He recommended I see a Cardiologist ASAP. Apparently my high blood pressure medication is slowing down my heart rate. The GP I visited is in Cape Town but I live in George. He was my normal GP that have done my checkups for the last few years.

The soonest I can get a Cardiologist appointment close to me is early April. I have sent the referral letter from the GP to a few Cardiologists and they all recon my low heart rate is not that urgent.

My query here is what can I do to increase my heart rate?

I have been monitoring my heart rate the last few days and it drops to the lows 40s when I sleep. It averages around mid 50s during the day. My smartwatch says by Resting heart rate is 54bpm.

The GP also recommended I don't do any exercise until I see a Cardiologist. His only advise was to try and loose weight by changing my diet.
 
marco79 said:
I've been to my GP on Friday for my bi-annual checkup. My blood pressure was 140/90 but even more concerning was my low heart rate of 55bpm. He recommended I see a Cardiologist ASAP. Apparently my high blood pressure medication is slowing down my heart rate. The GP I visited is in Cape Town but I live in George. He was my normal GP that have done my checkups for the last few years.

The soonest I can get a Cardiologist appointment close to me is early April. I have sent the referral letter from the GP to a few Cardiologists and they all recon my low heart rate is not that urgent.

My query here is what can I do to increase my heart rate?

I have been monitoring my heart rate the last few days and it drops to the lows 40s when I sleep. It averages around mid 50s during the day. My smartwatch says by Resting heart rate is 54bpm.

The GP also recommended I don't do any exercise until I see a Cardiologist. His only advise was to try and loose weight by changing my diet.
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Loosing weight will definitely help.

Increasing your potassium intake to lower your blood pressure can also help.
 
BBSA said:
Loosing weight will definitely help.

Increasing your potassium intake to lower your blood pressure can also help.
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I will try these suggestions. I can increase my potassium immediately but the weight loss will take a few weeks.
 
Pitbull said:
Wait...

I thought a low heart-rate is good? The fitter you are the slower it is right?

:confused:
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This was exactly what I thought, Elite athletes can have a resting heart rate of between 30 and 40 but I imagine in the OP's case his GP knows that his heart rate should be higher for his fitness level,
 
Cray said:
This was exactly what I thought, Elite athletes can have a resting heart rate of between 30 and 40 but I imagine in the OP's case his GP knows that his heart rate should be higher for his fitness level,
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Guess it rings true, too much of a good thing is not good either xD

Never thought myself that a low heart rate is a problem... TIL!
 
This stressed me out quiet badly for a month or so so thought i would share incase it helps. I was morbidly obese and am nearly out of the obese range after losing 55kg over last year. My resting was around 55 at the start of the year and it now dropped to about 39-43 after the first 20kg lost and has stayed there. Apple watch does not appreciate it being below 40 for 10mins+ and sounds the alarm about 3-4 times a day.

All other stats in the right range (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol). Had to get anesthetic for a minor surgery a couple months after being like this and they did not seem concerned. Heart rate was higher though due to the infection. Asked the surgeon afterwards if its a thing to worry about and said as long as there are no symptoms such as lack of energy, dizziness then may be just a side effect of the weight loss. I do know if i push myself on exercise then my resting heart rate climbs back up to the 50s for the rest of the day. Obviously something that flies in the face of your medical advice though.

So my current attitude is if no other symptoms and my fitness metrics carry on getting better with no funny business when i exercise (heart rate wont go up when i am trying to exercise or does not fall quickly when i finish) then to just see how i go and go for a check up in a few months once i have lost a bit more weight. My Vo2 max has climbed steadily as well from shocking for my age to just below average so feels like there cant be to much wrong with me.

I suppose the question for you though is if this is something new and can you think of any lifestyle changes since it fell that may affect it? Also if truly worried buy a cheap heart fitness device (old apple watch, fitbit etc) to let you track it while you wait for your appointment. I know they are only like 85% accurate of something but you can at least see the trends.
 
Why did the doctor say your heart rate being 'low' at 55 is an issue? My average resting heart rate over the last year is 47 and is lower when I am fitter with less fat than I am carrying at the moment.
 
Neuk_ said:
Why did the doctor say your heart rate being 'low' at 55 is an issue? My average resting heart rate over the last year is 47 and is lower when I am fitter with less fat than I am carrying at the moment.
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The two of you should go and see the same cardiologist, get the answers, and report back to the forum ...
 
You are already going to see a cardiologist, your answers should be there.

As for why the GP is concerned, who knows, might be the slightly raised BP with a low HR, especially with being overweight.
 
D said:
Soooo ... only sex for now.
How unfortunate!
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Play your cards right, wifey will have to go on top and do all the work so that you don't have to put yourself at risk.

"The doctor clearly said I mustn't exert myself!"
 
Pitbull said:
I recall reading that about 50 - 60 is super fit. But again, I'm no Doctor I have no clue. Hope you get sorted soon mate!
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It depends.

If it's low because the heart is powerful and can pump less often to do the required work, then it's great!

If it's because the heart is failing, inefficient or cannot pump faster, then not so much.

Both are low heart rates, but for different underlying reasons.
 
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