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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Slow Heart Rate with Pauses??
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Slow Heart Rate with Pauses??
by BillyboyAA, Jul 08, 2002 12:00AM
Hi. I have a few questions. I have a resting heart rate of 45-50. My cardiologist says this is great. I am 32 years old, am about 5'9" and 155lbs. I just went for a second opinion and this doctor basically says the same thing. I just had a new Holter Test done, where I had to write everything down. My average rate was 45, and I worked out while I had it on, and my rate got to about 110. I have had EKG's, Echo's, Stress Tests, and Echo Stress Tests, and all have come back fine. I have had PAC's and PVC for the last 5 years. Lately I have this sensation of pauses, I even have them sometimes when I workout. When I wake up in the morning the rate is about 40 and while sleeping it is 31. Neither doctor seems to be concerned at all about anything on any test I have had done. I am healthy, and have been working out for about 4 years now. Now a few questions :
1. The reason I had the holter was for dizziness and lightheadedness. I also have this when my heart rate is 5o or more, so neither doctor thinks this is from the slow rate. Does this sound ok to you?
2. I am always focused on my heart beat. Could these pauses be Sinus Pauses? Are they dangerous? I have them sometimes even while working out. Is that ok?
3. I also have chronic tension headaches, can the symptoms I feel be caused by the headaches?
4. When the rate is 44-46, sometimes I feel tired, but at 48-50 I feel ok. Can the difference betwee that little of beats make any difference?
5. I get scared because I sometimes think I need a pacemaker, but both docs say I am crazy.
Thanx!
1. The reason I had the holter was for dizziness and lightheadedness. I also have this when my heart rate is 5o or more, so neither doctor thinks this is from the slow rate. Does this sound ok to you?
2. I am always focused on my heart beat. Could these pauses be Sinus Pauses? Are they dangerous? I have them sometimes even while working out. Is that ok?
3. I also have chronic tension headaches, can the symptoms I feel be caused by the headaches?
4. When the rate is 44-46, sometimes I feel tired, but at 48-50 I feel ok. Can the difference betwee that little of beats make any difference?
5. I get scared because I sometimes think I need a pacemaker, but both docs say I am crazy.
Thanx!
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-KE, Jul 08, 2002 12:00AM
Bradycardia
The normal heart rate is from about 60 to 90 beats per minute. However people who are physically fit may have a resting heart rate in the 40s. This is usually sign of physical fitness such that the heart may function normally at a lower rate therefore using less energy.
1. You sound as if you are physically fit and I agree with your doctors that your heart rate in the 50s is probably not the cause of your dizziness.
2. Did your holter monitor record any pauses? The sensation of pauses you are experiencing may not be pauses at all. I would discuss this with your doctor and review your holter monitor or repeat it to see if your heart's electrical activity can be recorded during these episodes.
3. It is possible that your symptoms may be related to your headaches. I don't get the feeling that they are related to your heart.
4.I don't think that this subtle 2-4 beat per minute difference in your heart rate can account for your symptoms. You may consider having your doctors check your thyroid function which consists of a blood test. Again, I think your heart rate is slower because of physical fitness.
5. From what I have heard so far I don't think you need a pacemaker. It sounds like your doctors are doing an excellent job.
Thanks for your question,
CCF-MD-KE
The normal heart rate is from about 60 to 90 beats per minute. However people who are physically fit may have a resting heart rate in the 40s. This is usually sign of physical fitness such that the heart may function normally at a lower rate therefore using less energy.
1. You sound as if you are physically fit and I agree with your doctors that your heart rate in the 50s is probably not the cause of your dizziness.
2. Did your holter monitor record any pauses? The sensation of pauses you are experiencing may not be pauses at all. I would discuss this with your doctor and review your holter monitor or repeat it to see if your heart's electrical activity can be recorded during these episodes.
3. It is possible that your symptoms may be related to your headaches. I don't get the feeling that they are related to your heart.
4.I don't think that this subtle 2-4 beat per minute difference in your heart rate can account for your symptoms. You may consider having your doctors check your thyroid function which consists of a blood test. Again, I think your heart rate is slower because of physical fitness.
5. From what I have heard so far I don't think you need a pacemaker. It sounds like your doctors are doing an excellent job.
Thanks for your question,
CCF-MD-KE
If you are very fit aerobically, then you may have what they call athletic heart syndrome (http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual/section16/chapter213/213a.htm). I have all of these symptoms also, except the fealing really dizzy. This is a very good article for athletes that are concerned about their heart health.
Ken S.