Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Can Slow Heart Rates Cause Heart Attack?
My concern is, my husband has a heart rate of 40 most of the time. He is on a cpap machine for his breathing and had a passout spell last may so bad that i thought he had a stroke.He was checked out and all they could find was his slow heart rate. Can this eventually cause a stoke or heartattack?
Tue, 30 Sep 2014
Respected Madam
Thanks for your query to us.
If a person has slow heart rate we tend to see if he is symptomatic for same and What heart rhythm he has. If heart rhythm is normal and patient is not symptomatic and he is not on rate lowering drugs, we generally observe him. However if there are symptoms like passing out, it becomes an urgency. Heart rhythm needs to be determined, his prescription of drugs to be reviewed and may be he will require an intervention.
Slow heart rates are usually not associated with heart attack but they may produce symptoms akin to stroke, heart failure and can precipitate angina at times.More commonly they will cause blackouts, loss of consciousness or symptoms of "passing out".
Sincerely
Sukhvinder
Thanks for your query to us.
If a person has slow heart rate we tend to see if he is symptomatic for same and What heart rhythm he has. If heart rhythm is normal and patient is not symptomatic and he is not on rate lowering drugs, we generally observe him. However if there are symptoms like passing out, it becomes an urgency. Heart rhythm needs to be determined, his prescription of drugs to be reviewed and may be he will require an intervention.
Slow heart rates are usually not associated with heart attack but they may produce symptoms akin to stroke, heart failure and can precipitate angina at times.More commonly they will cause blackouts, loss of consciousness or symptoms of "passing out".
Sincerely
Sukhvinder
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Positive airway pressure
Loading Online Doctors....