I am 41 yrs old my heart rate has gone from 45bpm to an average of 38bpm when resting, this has happened over 15 yrs. I have been to see my doctor, and have been in hospital for 5 days where various test wetre done, was given clean bill of health, and anything I am feeling is just with in the boundries.
My every day work involves hard work and a lot of exercise, generaly through the day I feel the odd palpitations. I have also lead a healthy and sporty life, cycling every day 20 miles, 1-2 hrs in gym
My question is a heart rate of 38bpm normal for me, and how low must it go before it becomes a problem.
2006-09-21 08:39:20 · 8 answers · asked by joeseptuk 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
It is fairly common for well-conditioned athletes to have a resting heart rate in the 30's. That is because the physical conditioning has made the heart more efficient so that it circulates the required amount of blood with less work than an unconditioned person.
The next issue after heart RATE is heart RHYTHM. If it is a normal rhythm (normal sinus rhythm) but the rate is slow this is sinus bradycardia and is not a problem for you since the definition of sinus bradycardia is simply normal sinus rhythm that is less than 60 beats per minute.
Normal sinus rhythm=normal rhythm with rate >60.
Sinus bradycardia=normal sinus rhythm with rate<60.
If your resting ECG shows a rhythm that is anything other than sinus bradycardia when your heart rate is in the 30's, this is when the ECG needs an interpretation from a cardiologist.
For instance, Lance Armstrong has a resting rate in the 30's, (as do many marathon runners) and his heart is 50% larger than usual. Due to his physical conditioning, his heart has developed into a much more efficient pump, allowing him to overtake Jan Ullrich in a time trial when he is at a peak level of physical exertion.
2006-09-21 09:05:03 · answer #1 · answered by Jim 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get a complete work up from a cardiologist ASAP, and a good one, don't go back to the one you saw previously. Armstrong and other athletes have other factors contributing to low bpm's. Boundries of what, what is happening otherwise with your healther, because your heart rate is not normal for a 41 yr old. Much to low, maybe if you were older I would understand. It is too low now, I'm concerned.
2006-09-21 12:00:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ordinarily I would say A-V block but with your history it is due to your work and athletics. Professionals do have a slow pulse. Anything below 30 I would worry about.
2006-09-21 08:43:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
athletes are known to ahve slow heart rates, if you have had a exercise full life, then that could be a reason. if it persists or is associated with symptoms you should also consult with a cardiologist. how long would it last, sorry don't know
good luck
2006-09-21 08:42:08 · answer #4 · answered by HK3738 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's good for your heart rate to be slow, you are more fit than most people.
If it keeps getting lower, any lower than it is now, I'd definitely get it checked out by different doctors.....
2006-09-21 12:32:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have they checked your thyroid? If it's not working properly it can cause a slow heart rate.
2006-09-21 08:52:58 · answer #6 · answered by kelsey 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may be "normal" for you but that is highly unlikly. You have severe bradycardia. I would see another doc. NOW!!!
2006-09-21 08:41:34 · answer #7 · answered by yummymummy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe these links can help you
http://askwaltstollmd.com/archives/coronaries/113679.html
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/cardio/archive/1774.html
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/cardio/archive/1774.html
2006-09-21 08:42:16 · answer #8 · answered by Starlesha23 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋