low heart rate

[Sandy408]

Three years ago I had Ablation for A.F..in the last month I have developed  a low heart rate in the 40's and mid 50's ( I am comfortable at 70) My  Rhythum Doc. doesn't seem too concerned and told me when I started having heart rate in the 30's and 40's and being dizzy, passing out etc. we would be concerned... four years ago I had an arteriogram that was good ( I am 71 ) I am on coumadin and Tambacor for heart rhythm,blood pressure  med. Cholestrol med...at a recent visit with the rhythm Doc I got the impression that  he thought  I was being  too  concerned with the problem.., that is a little difficult when you are living alone and  frankly, I am concerned about driving , I was sitting down and talking on the phone when the last episode occured...any suggestions ???

[123j]

How low and how long can a hearts pulse go before damage occurs?  For four weeks my friend has had below 40 all the time.  Now it is 33.  At 63 I am worried.

[twinbee]

I have the same problem as you. My heart rate would go into the 40's (50's was normal for me when I wasn't in a-fib). Sometimes I would feel tired, lightheaded. My EP doctor wasn't too concerned about a heart rate in the 40's as long as it wasn't staying at that rate. Mine would just drop now and then, but then go back up to the 50's. She told me to be concerned if it dropped below 40. I think it is the meds. I am taking sotalol and cardizem for h/r control. I also had a RF ablation done in January for my a-fib and a-flutter. Hopefully in July I will be taken off the h/r meds and my heart rate will go up?

[Bildy]

I truly believe you need to get another opinion on the low heart rate, especially since it is causing you concerns.  Sometimes we have to force an issue with a doc to get some type of attention but if you don't do it, who will?  Just my 2cents worth!