I’m A 41 Yr Old Overweight Woman. I’m Healthy. Lost

Posted on Tue, 6 Aug 2019

Question: I’m a 41 yr old overweight woman. I’m healthy. lost 25lbs already. I took beta blockers for stress for 2 years, stopped 2 momths ago. I have mild high BP controlled with hydrochlorathyazide 12.5. I’ve noticed a low resting heartrate. it averages 61 but I’ve had a few reading of 44 and 57. Any ideas? I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow. I’m scared.

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that 44 bpm is indicative of bradycardia.

This change in your heart rate could be related to the weight loss.

Anyway, I don't think that anything serious is going on, as long as you do not have any symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness.

Coming to this point, I would recommend performing a cardiac ultrasound and a resting ECG in order to examine your heart function and structure.

An ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring would help examine your heart rhythm trends for a prolonged time and exclude any possible serious bradycardia or any other types of arrhythmia.

Hope to have been helpful!

Wishing good health,

Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)

Is it possible that the HCL has decreased my potassium so much that it%E2%80%99s causing this? the ekgs on my watch show normal sinus rhythm. i see my doctor in the morning

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I don't think that this situation is related to low potassium levels, as it usually leads to ectopic heart beats and not bradycardia.

Anyway, I recommend checking potassium plasma levels too.

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
My opinon as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Yes, beta blockers can lead to a lower heart rate. Anyway, the heart rate usually raises again after stopping them.

Anyway, as you are having a normal heart rate most of the time, I would suggest performing an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring in order to examine your heart rhythm trends during a prolonged period.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

I would be glad to review your test reports whenever you will be able to upload them for a second opinion.

Wishing good health,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)

I never had this before I took the beta blockers after I gave birth to my twins. could this be from using them for a few years? Is it strage to get this at 41 years old?