Ms. Crystal Thomas

My question is this. My aunt has angina and she had a previous heart attack. Recently, her heart rate dropped in the 40's and now down to the 30's. The hospital that she is at cannot figure out why it dropped nor can they figure out why she is in so much pain. She has horrible bodyaches all over. Can you help me out with this question please.

[Darcy Green Conaway, MD]

I will try-- heart rates into the 30's are concerning and can occur for many reasons. One of the very common things would be a low thyroid and she should have this looked into. She may even need a pacemaker with rates this low; it can be induced by medications but this is getting very low and is very likely making her feel bad.  In someone with a history of heart attack, this could be a sign of ischemia (not enough blood flow) to the conduction system of the heart. I would suggest a cardiology consultation with heart rates that low.