heart rate during exercise

I know that I have bradycardia and this was confirmed several years ago with testing. I also have bigeminy (sp), tricuspid insufficiency.  My doctor said I was fine and not being treated for any heart problems . ( Three of my four brothers have a-fib. My dad had CHF and "a rhythm problem")) I have recently started a cardio routine at the gym.  According to the sensors on the equipment my heart rate starts out at around 74, goes up about 10 beats per minute, then after just a few minutes drops to 54-68 beats per minute and stays there indefinitely.  The only way to raise it is to increase my speed and then I can get it up to around 100 or if I really push it 120.  The slowing after I start exercising concerns me.  Should it?

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

It is worth asking your doctor about it.  The two questions that I would ask are 1. is it real.  Exercise equipment is notoriously inaccurate on heart rate issues.  and 2. do you have symptoms.  If you don't have any symptoms and are still able to do the things you want to do, I do not think I would treat a patient any different.  One way to find out is an exercise stress test to observe your response to exercise.  This is what I would probably start with in clinic.

I hope this helps.