high pressure and low pulse

[petname]

I have high blood pressure and take medication.  I take my blood pressure 3 times a day, morning, noon and night.  This morning my pulse registered at 44 beats per minute.  Normally its in the 60's except for this morning.  Should I be worried?  What would cause this.  

[Jack54]

I would be worried if my pulse rate was this low (44 bps). This is a condition know as bradycardia, or heart rate <55 bpm. Some docs say <50 bpm. Did you feel as though you were going to faint?

Jack

[va_tony]

petname

This is just my opinion but I don't think you should be too concerned about the occasional low heart rate unless it's affecting your ability to function normally (i.e., if you feel tired, faint, lightheaded, etc at times.).  As you mentioned, your resting heart rate is typically in the 60's. It's quite common among those on blood pressure meds to have lower than normal heart rates once in awhile. For example, I take 3 meds for BP (cardizem, altace and HCTZ) and my resting HR is typically 50 to 55.  At times it drops down into the 40's but I feel fine... and that's ultimately what counts. Also, it's quite common for those who exercise frequently to have low heart rates. Runners and pro atheletes have heart rates that dip into the 30's at times and they are perfectly healthy.

While it is true that conditions like sick sinus syndrome and heart block will cause low heart rates, generally a doctor will simply monitor these over time and not treat them if they are unsymptomatic.

If this is really weighing on your mind, you might call your doctor's office to discuss this or to set up an appointment... but really, this doesn't sound like a problem if you have no symptoms.  

Tony