HEART DISEASE EXPERT FORUM
Unfit with slow heart rate

Unfit with slow heart rate

I'm 28, male, and for the past several years I suffered from tachycardia, with my average resting heart rate around 125.  Over the past 4-5 months however, I have lost around 40 pounds, and during that time, my heart rate has slowed down to an average of 55-60, sometimes dropping as low as 45 or so when I'm sitting and very relaxed.

I am in terrible shape (still about 60 pounds overweight) and can barely walk for 20 minutes without feeling sick and lightheaded, and my heart rate during exercise can jump as high as 160 just from walking up a slight hill (I wear a wristwatch monitor while I'm exercising).  This really makes me question if my heart should ever be dropping that low, as everything I've read has always said that heart rates that low are only normal in athletes, which I am anything but.

The thing is, less than a year ago, I had a 24 hour holter which was normal, multiple EKG's, and an echo which all came back completely normal.  I have no health insurance like a lot of Americans these days, so I can't just go back and get more expensive tests done.  I'm not really sure what to do, but I am definitely stressed out over the whole thing.  Any suggestions?
Related Discussions
242509_tn?1196926198
It is very difficult to say what your heart should be. As long as you feel well ,that is not lightheaded or dizzy when your heart rate is in the 40s then it is acceptable. I would advise you to continue your efforts at weight loss, through diet and aerobic exercise. As this occurs then you can gain in fitness, and improve your exercise capacity.
Blank
Continue discussion Blank
Go
Request an Appointment
MedHelp Health Answers
Submit
Blank
Weight Tracker
Reach your weight goal faster
Start Tracking Now
RSS Expert Activity
1741471_tn?1336957856
Blank
LIVE WEBINAR TOMORROW!-SUPER BODY, ... Blank
May 22 by Michael Gonzalez-WallaceBlank
2126606_tn?1335910182
Blank
Fibromyalgia Awareness
May 11 by Clare Waismann Kavin, RASBlank
2126606_tn?1335910182
Blank
Opioid-induced hyperalgesia reduces...
May 03 by Clare Waismann Kavin, RASBlank