Bradycardia

I had an EKG which showed that I have bradycardia (59 bpm). However this is a condition that comes and goes. I know the next step is probably a holter monitor. However, until I can get this done is there anything you can tell me about what might be causing this. I'm 50 years old, do not smoke, and have a sister who died at 47 of heart attack and my father had a major heart attack at 52. I have not ever had problems with my heart in the past. I have normal blood pressure (on the low side) and cholesterol level at 217, and good hdl/ldl ratio.

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Cherie,

This bradycardia is of little concern unless you have symptoms with it (dizziness, lightheadedness.  As far as cardiac risk factors, your cholesterol may be too high.. make sure your LDL cholesterol is less than 130 and that you don't smoke and are not overweight.  This is important in view of your family history.

I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.

     Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own
     doctor. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call
     1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart
     Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to
     address your cardiac problem.