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What Causes Low Heart Rate?
Question: I have a low heart rate for the last 3 days - no pain - no dizziness- what could be the problem??
Brief Answer:
Go to ER / see a doctor
Detailed Answer:
Dear friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic
The first step is to see a Cardiologist
Low heart rate needs to be DOCUMENTED by examination and ElectroCardioGram (EKG). It could even be a high atrial rate (upper chambers) with block resulting in a low ventricular rate (lower chambers)! Standard ECG records the electrical activity of the heart, only for a few seconds. It can detect the event occurring during that time only. If the episode occurs randomly, one needs Holter or event monitor.
No pain or dizziness does not support a specific diagnosis…
At this age, primary degenerative disease of the conduction system (nerves of the heart) is the foremost possibility.
One also has to evaluate for Coronary Artery Disease – absence of proof is no proof of absence
ECHOcardiogram / TMT (Treadmill exercise ECG) / LABORATORY work-up – may all be necessary for further assessment and assistance. You may even need Electro Physiological Studies (EPS)
The treating doctor may suggest them depending on need, based on his assessment of the situation.
Take care
Good luck
Go to ER / see a doctor
Detailed Answer:
Dear friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic
The first step is to see a Cardiologist
Low heart rate needs to be DOCUMENTED by examination and ElectroCardioGram (EKG). It could even be a high atrial rate (upper chambers) with block resulting in a low ventricular rate (lower chambers)! Standard ECG records the electrical activity of the heart, only for a few seconds. It can detect the event occurring during that time only. If the episode occurs randomly, one needs Holter or event monitor.
No pain or dizziness does not support a specific diagnosis…
At this age, primary degenerative disease of the conduction system (nerves of the heart) is the foremost possibility.
One also has to evaluate for Coronary Artery Disease – absence of proof is no proof of absence
ECHOcardiogram / TMT (Treadmill exercise ECG) / LABORATORY work-up – may all be necessary for further assessment and assistance. You may even need Electro Physiological Studies (EPS)
The treating doctor may suggest them depending on need, based on his assessment of the situation.
Take care
Good luck
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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