bradycardia

It was detected on a recent visit to the doctor that I have a slow heart rate, around 56 bpm.  I was always around 72 bpm.  My doctor put me on a 24 hour holter than detected nothing unusual.  I have to go for blood tests on my next visit.

I have sleep apnea.  Could that cause this drop in my heart rate?  I'm in the process of getting a cpap mask.  I have also recently been trying to quit smoking.  Could this be a withdrawal symptom?

My doctor suggested that I'm in good condition.  I laughed.  I'm 40 years old, 185 lbs, regularly walk 3 miles a day and do some other moderate exercise, but wouldn't say I'm in great physical shape.  After all I smoked for 25 years!

Any insight?

[Cleveland Clinic]

As long as there are no dropped beats, passing out ( syncope) or lightheadedness then a slow heart rate is simply a marker of longevity. Rarely this can be a marker of underlying conduction system disease, but if your resting EKG is normal then this is unlikely.
There are many medications which may cause this, but once again if there are no symptoms then there is no need to worry.

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

i have a slow heart rate to my cardio dr says its good not to worry about it mine runs between 49-79 ,

[momtofourboys]

from what i was told a slow heart rate is a good thing, well not in hte 30's. my Hr sometimes goesin the 40's. I had all of those test. I remember  the doctor asking me if I jogged or things like  that. they say people who "workout" can have a slower HR.
I hope all is well and good luck
Michelle

[cabkrun]

I also have "bradycardia" with a resting HR of 48.  My BP is also lower, in the 96/54 range.  I have attributed mine to being a cyclist and runner, altho that has never been quantified.  In terms of sleep apnea, I do not know if that would be the cause.  If you have had the apnea for awhile, then I would be hesitant to link the 2 since it sounds like your HR just recently dropped.  Your attempt to stop smoking (congrats!) might be a better link, because from what I know your HR will lower when you stop the nicotine.  In fact, I have read that the drop in BP and HR happen within 20 minutes of stopping!!  I am not a doctor tho, so I can't say for sure :)
Good luck!!