Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
I Have Been Experiencing A Heart Rate Dropping Into The
Question: I have been experiencing a heart rate dropping into the 40s in my sleep and in the 50s during the day. I’ve been experiencing a lot of headaches and migraines. I’ve noted when my heart rate is low I get chest pain, dizziness, fatigue and sometimes shortness of breath. Sometimes i tire out easily going up hills or stairs and get out of breath quickly. I exercise 4 times a week and sometimes get dizzy when I workout, I don’t drink alcohol or smoke. I eat a healthy diet and limit processed foods. What could be going on?
Brief Answer:
The symptoms seem to be related to bradycardia,follow the advice below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Your symptoms seem to be related to bradycardia which means that your heart beat slowly.
A slow heart rate, sometimes can be normal, especially in patient who practice sports.
I suggest to do an electrocardiogram to evaluate better the condition.
If the electrocardiogram does not detect bradycardia.
Sometimes it is recommended Holter monitor.
It is a device that monitors your heart activity over a few days.
Both exams should be done at a doctor's office.
So,I suggest to see a cardiologist for further evaluation.
Meanwhile,I recommend to continue following a healthy lifestyle.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards!
Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi
General &Family Physician
The symptoms seem to be related to bradycardia,follow the advice below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Your symptoms seem to be related to bradycardia which means that your heart beat slowly.
A slow heart rate, sometimes can be normal, especially in patient who practice sports.
I suggest to do an electrocardiogram to evaluate better the condition.
If the electrocardiogram does not detect bradycardia.
Sometimes it is recommended Holter monitor.
It is a device that monitors your heart activity over a few days.
Both exams should be done at a doctor's office.
So,I suggest to see a cardiologist for further evaluation.
Meanwhile,I recommend to continue following a healthy lifestyle.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards!
Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi
General &Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Does a Holter monitor 24 hours?
And if the EKG doesn’t show anything should I make sure to advocate for other options?
And if the EKG doesn’t show anything should I make sure to advocate for other options?
Brief Answer:
Other opinions for diagnosis are explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear,
Yes,a Holter can monitor the heart in 24 or 48 hours.
If the electrocardiogram does not show anything you can try Holter monitor.
Because an ECG can't record bradycardia unless it happens during the test, Holter monitor is a more accurate exam in this diagnosis.
Other tests that may be needed are:
-Blood tests detect an infection
-Thyroid hormone test
-Electrolyte levels
Hope it helps.
Take care dear,
Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi
Other opinions for diagnosis are explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear,
Yes,a Holter can monitor the heart in 24 or 48 hours.
If the electrocardiogram does not show anything you can try Holter monitor.
Because an ECG can't record bradycardia unless it happens during the test, Holter monitor is a more accurate exam in this diagnosis.
Other tests that may be needed are:
-Blood tests detect an infection
-Thyroid hormone test
-Electrolyte levels
Hope it helps.
Take care dear,
Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
