Low BPM while sleeping.

[micag123]

Hi,

I wore a holter monitor for 24 hours and when I went in for the results my dr referred me to a cardiologist. I wore the holter because I was having PVCs. She did not say one word about the PVCs but said my BPM were showing at 38 in themiddle of the night and that is not normal. She did not say how long, she just said they were as low as 38. Should I be worried? My blood pressure isnormally very low 109/57, but I am never light headed or shortness of breath. I wore the holter becasue I have panic attacks.

Thanks

[Forum-M.D.-bkj]

micag,

Thanks for the post.

Alot of people have slow heart rates at night. 38 in sinus rhythm wouldnt be out of the ordinary for a healthy individual. The most important thing would be whethere there were symptoms associated (which I doubt since you slept through it) and whether you had normal rhythms during the day. The cardiologist will review all of your data be able to discuss these things with you and your internist.

good luck

[micag123]

Oh I forgot, I am 39 years old, I walk alot, but am overweight. I am also concerend because she did not say one word about anything else she saw. She stated that this is not her speciality and could really not give me anymore information. She said the cardiologist's office would call me in the next 2 weeks to set up an appointment. Well I am worried because what if it soemthing really urgent and she can't read the report and does not realize. I would think the report would tell her that this is urgent or not. I am just really worried.

Thanks

[bama jane]

call the doctor's offcie and tell them of your concern and ask if she could explain to you why she feels it is okay for you to wait for 2 more weeks before seeing the cardiologist.  Maybe they can  help you not to worry too much until you see the next doctor or even get the appointment moved up. Good luck to you.

[macdoo]

I wouldn't worry about the low heart rate when sleeping either.
I remember about 4 years ago after wearing a 24HR holter monitor that i was told my HR dropped to 31 BPM during the night.
I remember him clearly saying "we see that a lot in young individuals".
I was 33 yrs old then.

Some Athlete's walk around during the day with their heartrates not much more than 40BPM.
There's nothing unusual about your HR going slow during sleep.
It's meant to slow down.

[rmiata10]

I have a low HR all of the time. During the day it ranges from about 43 - 55.  At night it will drop to about 32 or 33 - but only for a few seconds.  I found out by using a HR Monitor that I bought that saves data that I can then graph, print, display on a PC.  I've had EKG's, an echocardiogram and an ANSAR test. Only one aspect from the ANSAR was unusual and apparentl not alarming.  I was suggested to take Alpha Lypoic Acid, 200mg daily.  I had the initial and second EKG done at my own request by my MD.  And I went to cardiologist on my own for more testing.  It seems doctors don't run into low HR (bradycardia) often.  Nor life insurance companies.  They seem to think my 43BPM from the EKG is abnormal.  What can be done to convince them?  What day time HR do you two experience?
I'm 46 y/o male, 178lbs, generally have run 2 - 4 times a week for about 16+ years (since HS but took a break in the 80s) and do weights usually 3X a week about past 10 years.

[EchoTech]

If there were anything that required immediate treatemt, you would have been sent to the ER and admitted to the hospital.  PVCs here and there in themselves are not dangerous, as far as I know.  Teh office is going to see you in two weeks, so there may be something that they can do for you.  Your best bet is to take a wait and see approach.

Rmiata--you just have a healthy heart from what I can discern.  Athletes can have heart rates in the 40's in normal situations.  Keep up the good work.

[mariop]

Can you tell me the name of the Heart monitor and where I can buy one?  I'm interested in checking myself.  Is software needed?

Thanks for your input.

[rmiata10]

Ironically, my 'name' in Spanish class was Mario...
The model of HRM I have is a Nike Triax Elite.  There are several versions-mine is model SM0030-001. A quite similar model is more expensive and includes a "pod" that attaches to your shoe for tracking distance when running.  It is not a GPS-based unit but rather you have to synch it up with your pace / stride to a known distance to start. My model is NOT compatible with the Pod so it's important to know before purchasing one. I got mine via Ebay at a lower cost than retail. It includes a CD with the software that runs on a PC or Mac, a USB cable for downloading data from the watch and uploading training plans to the watch, and a mount for a bicycle handlebar. The graphing part shows HR versus time-it works well! Hope that helps!

[mariop]

Thanks Mario for info.  Will check it out.