Should I see a physician about instances of Bradycardia?

[rshanna]

I'm 35 and have ran regularly at a 7:30 minute mile pace for several years.  Last April, I ran a 5 mile race in just under 36 minutes.  The following day my heart rate was 37 to 39 BPM for a large portion of the day and I felt like I was oxygen deprived at times.  I also have low iron levels which probably contributed to this problem.  By day 2 after the race, the Bradycardia was gone.  In May 2008, I ran a 20K at an 8:04 pace and in August 2008, I ran a half marathon at a 7:44 pace and experienced similar symptoms but not as severe as when I ran the 5 mile race.  Recently, I started training again for the same 5 mile race I ran last April and the same 20K I ran last May.  I've attempted to increase my speed to around a 7:10 pace and have started having Bradycardia symptoms again.  My resting heart rate earlier today was around 39 to 40 BPM.  My blood pressure is generally generally in a normal range (110/70).  Unfortunately, I am also a Type 1 Diabetic.

[smconorm]

During the time I was active in competitive running I also experienced a reduction in heart rate a day or two after a race.  This would generally decline from around 46 to around 40.  I am not sure why this is and I always thought it might be related to less resistance for blood flow through expanded arteries? However, I never felt oxygen deprived and this may indicate something more serious.   In addition to the lower rate, following a race I would become dizzy when standing.  Sometimes this was so bad I would need to hold on to something for a few seconds to keep from fainting.  

[Jerry_NJ]

I agree, a HR below 40 is in the problem range, regardless of you physical condition.  I think it is common for people who run at you level have resting HR in the 50s, but not below 40.  

You didn't mention what your HR had been in the past, or when you have not had an "extreme" workout.  What is you base-line or normal resting HR?

[kittyh16]

Hey, I have always heard that athletes have lower heart rates but if you are feeling oxygen deprived i would definately talk with a cardiologist. Getting down in the 30's is a little low. It never hurts to establish care with a cardiologist so you have a baseline anyways. Also, if you have low iron you should take an iron supplement.