Heart beat of 39-44bpm

[gkr]

I woke up in the middle of the night to find my heart rate in the 40bpm range. It lasted over an hour, no pain in the chest really. Initially I got up had a bowel movement, laid back down and still the slow rate. About 20 minutes went by and had another bowel movement. Walked around a bit, had some water, still slow heart rate. Had a 3rd bowel movement after about an hour and heart rate went back to about 76bpm while back in bed. That lasted about 20 minutes then returned to about 44bpm. Another 20 minutes or so of bradycardia and it went back to normal again. Im on vacation and very worried as to what to do. I have had EKG's, Holter's, stress tests, and 24 hour monitior approx 2 years ago. Cardiologist said nothing to worry about I was fine. I do find that I have palipatations when my stomach gets upset and I gave gas. I do have significant GERD. I'm 40 about 10lbs over weight and take a statin to keep cholesterol in check. I was taking Protonix but left that med at home and this was like the 3rd day without taking it. What might have caused this run of bradycardia? Do I need to seek medical help or do you think it may have been an issue with my stomach/bowels. Thanks in advance

[gkr]

Thanks for replying. This is the first time this has happened to me. My normal heart rate is around 72 awake. Sleeping is a bit lower 50-60 I would say, but I've never felt it that low. My heart rate remained at 39-44 for an hour. I did get up, walked around actually bounced up and down a few times and still felt this rate while standing, not just lying in bed. I did have anxiety, some sweating as well. Will call the Dr today, thanks again for listening.

[dolfnlvr]

Is your heart rate "normal" during the waking hours of the day?  I ask this because all of our hearts are bradycardic when we sleep.  My sleeping heart rate is about 42 bpm.  However, my wakeful HR is closer to 60-65 bpm.  

It is interesting though.  I would have expected that your anxiety over your heart rate would have increased your heart rate, and that the bowel movements would have increased your heart rate.  However, if you were laying still in bed between all of these things, it is still possible that your BP and HR would be low.  

You should contact your doctor and let him/her know about these new symptoms.  If he/she feels that they need attention, they'll let you know what to do.  But again, if your heart rate is normal during the day then your doctor will likely recommend that you set an appointment upon your return from vacation.  

Given your heart's currently healthy state (structurally normal at least) I wouldn't be too concerned about a HR of 44 bpm while laying in bed, but I do suggest that you call your doctor.  This is your body and if you feel that something is "off" or "different" you should alert your health care professional.

Take care,