They told him that his heart rate was low, it is 50. Is this dangerously low?
2007-09-24 05:43:38 · 11 answers · asked by mo 5 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
Loving Heart is correct. It is normal for a 90 year old to have a slower heart rate. It is not dangerously low. Is he having symptoms such as dizziness with this heart rate? If he has symptoms from this then there may be reason to be concerned. You did not say anything about if he is taking medications, some medications can also lower the heart rate. He does need to walk some if possible.
2007-09-24 15:02:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
This is bradycardia. It means your father's heart beats very slowly. For most people, a heart rate of 60 to 100 beats a minute is considered normal. If your heart beats less than 60 times a minute, your doctor may diagnose bradycardia. A heartrate of 50 is not dangerously low. Bradycardia is a sign of a problem with the heart’s electrical system. It means that the heart's natural pacemaker is not working right or that the electrical pathways of the heart are disrupted. Bradycardia can be caused by:
Changes in the heart that are the result of aging.
Diseases that damage the heart's electrical system. These include coronary artery disease, heart attack, and infections such as endocarditis.
Conditions that can slow electrical impulses through the heart. Examples include having a low thyroid level (hypothyroidism) or an electrolyte imbalance, such as too much potassium in the blood.
Some medicines for treating heart problems or high blood pressure, such as beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics, and digoxin. How bradycardia is treated depends on what is causing it. Treatment also depends on the symptoms. If bradycardia does not cause symptoms, it usually is not treated.
2007-09-24 05:58:00 · answer #2 · answered by claudiacake 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A heart rate of 50 is certainly low. At 90 years of age, I think anything that isn't "normal" would be a concern. Talking to his doctor should reassure you or give you more information of his health, especially his heart. Realistically, your Father will die of something, probably within the next 10 years. He has had a long life, much longer than most of us can even hope for. I would try and be with him as much as possible and enjoy his last days with him. I am finding that I not only miss my parents more than ever at age 60, but I sure wish I had asked them many more questions about their childhoods and there early years. Just think, your Father was around before both World Wars, TV,Air conditioning,washing machines,lawn mowers,central heat, dish washers,women working, disposable anything (diapers,razors,etc). Imagine how much he could share with you if you showed an interest. I would use a tape recorder so I would have his voice on tape. Make sure you don't tire him out. Do you know how he met your Mother? Just a suggestion and I know off topic from your question, but a thought of mine.
2007-09-24 05:56:11 · answer #3 · answered by kattsmeow 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
The big question is "is he having symptoms? dizziness, shortnes of breath, low b/p? A heart rate of 50 is slow, but not for a healthy heart. Now I know your father probably dont run marathons but is he healthy. Medicine is getting away from accepted "norms" for people, ie: fat people are unhealthy" If he is having problems, the doctor wil put in a pace maker that should last him the rest of his life.
2007-09-24 05:53:22 · answer #4 · answered by Randy K 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
slow heart rate is important if it causes symptoms is the first consideration.50 is low and a lot depends also on the configuration of the ECG.In addition it will be helpful to know if by exercising the rate will rise.Also the thyroid status is a relatively simple first aspect to check.His medications should also be checked as a patient had a pacemaker inserted to treat his slow heart rate because he was using eye drops for glaucoma.
2007-09-24 05:55:06 · answer #5 · answered by Lady Bond 007 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is pretty low! His Dr. may suggest a stress test, or an echo cardiogram to check his heart. If the pulse rate drops too low, he could faint, it's called bradycardia, or low pulse rate. Follow up on this with his Cardiologist.
2007-09-24 05:48:51 · answer #6 · answered by Angelbaby7 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
First of all give my heartiest congratulations for reaching the age of 90, may God give him a more healthy life.
No, it is not dangerously low infact it is normal, all that he has to do is start walking and avoid cholestrol diet. Every thing will be to normal, just encourage him to stroll.
He will live to see his grand childrens ; children.
2007-09-24 08:32:13 · answer #7 · answered by Dr.Qutub 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Its normal for older adults to have heart rates below 60.
which is known as bradycardia.
if it becomes too low, your father will show signs and sympoms.
here is the link to you read.
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/tc/Bradycardia-Slow-Heart-Rate-Overview
I am a Nurse
2007-09-25 04:55:14 · answer #8 · answered by Bullmastiff_Boxer_lover 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, he is 90. So even if he was a picture of health, death is around the corner. Good luck. Pray.
2007-09-24 05:59:03 · answer #9 · answered by cat 3 · 2⤊ 4⤋
ASSUMING YOU MEAN 50 BEATS PER MINUTE WHICH IS LOW BUT NOT ALARMING HIS CARDIOLOGIST MAY WANT TO INSTALL A PACEMAKER WHICH IS NO BIG DEAL BUT IT WILL KEEP HIS HEARTBEAT A LITTLE HIGHER.
2007-09-24 05:50:07 · answer #10 · answered by Loren S 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋