low pulse rate

Hi Everyone,
Got a pacemaker 2 years ago because my heart rate was dangerously low. Been fine for 2 years...excercising, lost some weight, health has been good (I also have Atrial Fibulation but I rarely feel it and so far it is only 1% of the time).
Recently used a friends blood pressure home device to check my BP and pulse rate. BP always comes up fine but pulse rate is constantly 59,58. My friend said that's good and the the low rate is probably my areobic excercise paying off. However, I have a pacemaker because my heart rate went too low so this may be the result of my medical condition and not a sign of excercise.What bothers me is that the reason I checked it was because I have on occassion felt very slight pre-dizziness when I stand up at times. I thought I remembered that they had set the PM so my pulse would not go below 60. So now I'm worried. I don't get a PM check until July 28 so I 'm wondering if this is a problem I should bring up earlier. The other relevant factor is that I take 25 mgs of atenolol for the Atrial Fibulation. My understanding is it slows your heart rate.
So anyone out there want to take a shot at this situation. I know ultimately the Doctor is the one to talk to to find out but I also put a lot of faith into my expereinced pacemaker peers.
hanks in advance. Jim K age 61

2 Comments

I'd call

by Tracey_E - 2008-07-14 05:07:25

58 is pretty close to 60, it might just be an inaccurate count. Check next time you're lightheaded, if you count it below 60 again, I'd call the dr's office and ask if they want to see you sooner. I don' t know how your pacer works, but mine only records two abnormal incidents so if I call and tell them I had one, they get me in to check the pacer right away before it gets overwritten and they lose the data.

Atril fib meds don't really lower your rate, but (as I understand it) they keep your rate from getting too high so it's more likely to make it hard to work out than to get you too low just sitting around. But I could be mistaken! My mom has atrial fib so I only know what I've picked up from her.

Ditto Alan (41) edinburgh

by allanrogers - 2008-07-14 08:07:22

I wouldnt worry
I have had my pacemaker since last october for slow heart beat and atrial fib is less than 1% and I am also on 25 mg atenlol a day.

I too get dizzy if i get up to quick also I can get out of breath running up stairs but it seems to be more acute at certain times of the day so I would definitely put it down to beta blockers (atenolol)

How do you find it I found it initially awful but I am now getting used to it.

I hope you feel better soon but just call into your specialist if you feel bad that is what they are there for.

kind regards

allan

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