Bradycardia

[Red931]

I am a 44 year old male that has had 13 orthopedic surgeries in the last two years. The most recent was an ankle reconstruction that has had me in bed since 2/18/09. I have high blood pressure and have been on Cardizem CD 240 and Hyzaar 100/12.5 for about 17 years. I also have mitral valve prolapse.

My resting heart rate has always been around 60 even before medication as I was a weightlifter and football player when I was young.

Since I have been confined to the bed from surgery my heart rate has been dropping into the 40's however my EKG is always normal other than the Bradycardia. My blood pressure is always all over the place even on medication with the highest readings in the morning as you can see on my Tracker.

My question is should I ask my doctor to decrease my dose of Cardizem until I can get up and around again? Can I have a problem with my heart with this prolonged bedrest? I have gone into surgery with a heart rate of 46 but of course it increased soon as I got flipped under those bright lights.

My main concerns are the fatigue I am feeling right now as well as some mild labored breathing when I get up but I am thinking that is because I have been sedentary for so long. I had seven shoulder surgeries prior to the ankle reconstruction so I haven't been getting out much lately.

[Red931]

Thanks for your response. My Cardiologist is aware of the HR and has been treating me since I was 16 when I discovered I had the murmer and had to be cleared to play on the football team. My resting HR was always about 60. When I get a stress test it takes forever to get my rate up even though I didn't take my medication before the test.

The Cardizem builds up in your system like any other drug so it is still working when I am on the treadmill. After this ankle reconstruction I won't be able to take that test anymore.

I am sure my HR must drop into the 30's while I'm asleep as your HR tends to drop about 10 beats when sleeping. I use a CPAP because I also have sleep apnea so I guess that helps.

It was good talking to ya.

[Jerry_NJ]

I think the meds as well as the lack of physical activity both contribute to you fatigue and breathlessness... this added to the low HR I'd expect you might even get some dizziness when you stand.

Of course you need to discuss with your doctor about you concern for the low HR and the symptoms.  There is not way we who respond to you as fellow heart symptom suffers can give more than our own experience.

From what I know a resting HR of 40 is low, but not considered critically low.  But, it would be a concern to me if it dropped into the 30s.  I think that area is of concern.

Best of luck and remember you are still YOUNG, many of us on this community are old enough to be your parent.