Low heart rate??

[Gemma]

Hi everybody,
My boyfriend Jim has been put onto beta-blockers following an episode of aflutter on Monday (was in the high 160s for a good few hours). After he was back in sinus rhythm, his resting rate in bed was about 75 in bed and 85 out, although when the cardiologist came to see him it was around 95 as he'd just been wandering round a bit and had breakfast. It was at this point that the cardiologist decided the beta-blockers should be prescribed. (They had been going to give him amioderone if any heart problems showed up during echo but it was ok so straight onto beta-blockers). He was allowed home Tuesday.
Anyhow, now he's started taking them his resting rate is 60, when he goes to bed (but still awake) it drops to about 45 and I'm sure it gets slower when he's asleep. I haven't checked this as I don't want him thinking I'm completely paranoid (also can't see the clock in the dark ) The nurse we asked yesterday said 45 is fine as everybody's heart slows down when they go to bed. I'm just wondering if there's a point at which the heart is beating too SLOWLY, and if so what is it? There have also been points where for about 10 seconds at a time his heart seems to miss every third beat, thus making it even slower, but then it gets back to normal.
HELP!! Not sure what's going on here - Jim's worried his heart might suddenly go too fast again, I'm worried about the opposite thing that it's going so slow!!!
He hasn't got any appointments scheduled for a while, will need to see his doctor in about a week to get more beta-blockers but apart from that and the INR checks he's nothing except a follow-up with the surgeon on Feb 2nd. Should he get it checked out sooner or is it normal and can it wait til he sees his doctor?
Gemma.

 

[Ross]

Slow down a bit. He just had major surgery and his heart isn't exactly happy with him yet. Most all of these problems will disappear over the next few weeks. He may need to stay on the beta blocker, but they may need to do some adjustment with the dosage. His heart rate is just fine. If it were in the 30's I'd be a little concerned, but at times, it may even be that low.

Take it slow and easy. It takes awhile to return to a normal flow.

 

[Kenny F]

I have spent the last 7 weeks freaking out over my bizarre heart rates and BP (resting 100-120 rate, BP 150/100). My cardio is unconcerned and says it will straighten itself out.

At Rehab yesterday they had me sit to get my rate DOWN to 110 to start exercising. And then last night suddenly my rate has leveled out between 78-96.

As long as you are staying in touch with the Doc I think it's just another aspect of recovery. Barring A-fib no one seems too concerned what the heart does for a few months!

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Gemma wrote:

"The nurse we asked yesterday said 45 is fine as everybody's heart slows down when they go to bed. I'm just wondering if there's a point at which the heart is beating too SLOWLY, and if so what is it? There have also been points where for about 10 seconds at a time his heart seems to miss every third beat, thus making it even slower, but then it gets back to normal."

I share your concern over a low heart rate and the 'skipped beats' which are most likely PAC's or PVC's (Premature Atrial or Ventrical Contractions) which are 'usually benign'.

Will his Cardio take telephone calls? Or return them?

IMHO, his Cardio should at least be aware of the situation.

Balancing Beta Blocker levels can be tricky. Too much and you are groggy. Too little and you get PAC's, PVC's, A-Fib, etc. Jim may want to ask his Cardio if he can cut his RX dose in half and see what happens. DO NOT GO COLD TURKEY with Beta Blockers. Let the Cardio make the decision.

'AL'

 

[KimC]

Gemma,

I haven't had OHS, but have marked sinus bradycardia. My avg. heart rate is 44 walking around, 40 resting and who knows what when I'm sleeping. Bottom line, the heart apparently is a lot stronger than we think.

Best,

 

[Nancy]

When Joe's bradycardia was in active mode, he started fainting, so yeah, in my mind, it's something to be concerned about. One of his faints I couldn't detect a pulse in his arm, wrist or neck, and his eyes were rolled back in his head.

I don't want to scare anyone, but it really should be watched carefully.

Joe now has a pacemaker, no more fainting.

 

[Gemma]

Hi guys,
Thanks for your concern and advice - especially Ross, think I needed to calm down a lot!!
We went for a 2-mile walk today, Jim's heart rate stayed around 95-100 for the duration and quite happily settled down to 60ish when we got back. We know this because the other day he treated himself to a heart rate monitor which conveniently has a handlebar attachment for when he starts cycling again
He's got a bit of a rash on his face which started up last night - we can't decide if this is due to changed fabric softener, shaving foam or possibly a side effect of the sotalol (beta-blocker)... Incidentally Al, he's on the lowest recommended dose according to the leaflet (40mg twice a day) and the cardio is as easy to find as a needle in a haystack! Also likes his holidays a lot! I'll make sure he asks his doctor though- seems to be pretty on the ball.
One other thing - any tips for getting the bottom of your scar to heal up when it ends where your belly sticks out and cracks open every time you sit down? Nice image hey??? That's the only bit Jim's having a problem with, the rest is coming along nicely.
Gemma & Jim.