Re: very low pulse

Posted By alicia on July 16, 1999 at 09:27:07
I periodically experience extremely low pulse/heart rates -- mid 40's.  The condition will persist for several days or weeks; severe fatigue accompanies the drop.  What can cause this condition?  Repeated visits to doctors have been of no help in diagosing.  Thank you.  

[Deb__0__0]

Posted By Deb on July 16, 1999 at 14:02:48
Hi Alicia,
My slow rates went on for years and I passed out many times.  I even passed out at work in front of many doctors!  I was worked up in cardiology and nothing was found.  I then had sinus arrest on a monitor.  I now have a pacemaker.  I would suggest asking for a loop recorder from the doctor. Most important, go see a cardiologist, and or an EP(electrophysiologist) they are cardiologist's that specialize in heart arrhythmias.  They may be able to do a holter, but if these happen on and off then maybe a loop would be best.  

[alicia__0__0]

Posted By alicia on July 16, 1999 at 16:34:20
Thanks Deb.  I was just beginning to think "they" were right and it was all just in my head.  Going to the cardiologist next week and will ask about the loop recorder.  But did you go from zero to a pacemaker?  Is there nothing less extreme?  No medication?  Anyway, thanks again.

[Deb__0__0]

Posted By Deb on July 16, 1999 at 23:10:25
Hi Alicia,
I do not know of any other treatment for bradycardia except a pacemaker.  I do in my case, I had tachycardia as well as bradycardia.  I have SSS...Sick Sinus Syndrome.  It is where the sinus node will go fast and slow when ever it wants to.  At times mine would slow so much I would pass out, and or it would stop altogether.  You really need to see an EP doctor though.  I think alot of cardiologists, I have worked with many.  BUT, I was also told my holter with heart rates from the 30's to as high of 150's in the same hour for 19 out of the 24 hours on the holter, "was normal for a woman!"   This was read by a cardiologist.  I used to do ekg's and I knew it was not normal for me!! Two weeks later, I passed out in a room full of doctors and split my head open.  The doctors that saw me pass out said, that people do not survive those types of falls.  I was very lucky !   But when an EP doctor saw it, they said it was not normal. It is important that you see who ever you want, but if you still feel the way you do with slow rates, please see either a cardiologist and or an EP doctor.  If you do not feel that you have been listened too....then keep looking for a doctor that will take this seriously.  










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very low pulse CCF CARDIO MD - CRC 7/19/1999
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