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What Makes The Heart Beat Slow?
I was prescribed TERAZOSIN due to an enlarged prostate. I have taken TERAZOSIN for several years now and, I suppose it does help making it easier to urinate. Listed as a side effect is dizziness and light-headedness, especially when standing too long or overheated or during hot weather. I have had several episodes of lightheadedness and feeling faint. While playing golf during the summer and at the end of walking 18 holes I stopped to rest in the shade. As soon as I sat down, I fainted and fell hitting my head on a concrete slab. I got a light concussion. Since then my doctors have decided my heart beats too slow and are debating whether I should have a pacemaker to regulate my heart. I wear a wrist and chest strap heart monitor and noticed that my heart can beat anywhere from 45 BPM while at rest to 160 BPM while exercising. I can sense when my heart is beating too slow because I do feel lightheaded. Can you give me an opinion? Thank you. Luis
Mon, 19 Aug 2019
Hello,
Norma heartbeat ranges from 60-100 bpm. Your heartbeat is low because of side effect of medication (Terazosin-it is an alpha-blocker, which lowers BP & may cause slow heartbeat), poor electrolyte balance(take ORS, soups & juice), obstructive sleep apnea, poor general health, thyroid issues(hypothyroidism).
You are suggested to get physically examined, get your general health condition better. Get treated if you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or thyroid issues. Get treated at the earliest.
Quit smoking & drug abuse. You can talk to your treating doctor & get Terazosin replaced by other medicines that will suit you better.
Your treating doctor can suggest you surgery(TUIP/TUNA) depending on the moderate or severe symptoms you may have.
Bradycardia should not continue after appropriate treatment but if it does your treating doctor will suggest Pacemaker for you.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Nupur K, General & Family Physician
Norma heartbeat ranges from 60-100 bpm. Your heartbeat is low because of side effect of medication (Terazosin-it is an alpha-blocker, which lowers BP & may cause slow heartbeat), poor electrolyte balance(take ORS, soups & juice), obstructive sleep apnea, poor general health, thyroid issues(hypothyroidism).
You are suggested to get physically examined, get your general health condition better. Get treated if you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or thyroid issues. Get treated at the earliest.
Quit smoking & drug abuse. You can talk to your treating doctor & get Terazosin replaced by other medicines that will suit you better.
Your treating doctor can suggest you surgery(TUIP/TUNA) depending on the moderate or severe symptoms you may have.
Bradycardia should not continue after appropriate treatment but if it does your treating doctor will suggest Pacemaker for you.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Nupur K, General & Family Physician
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