Understanding Low Heart Rate
For the past decade, I've been living with stage 2 diastolic dysfunction. Recently, about a month ago, I began to notice my heartbeat noticeably thumping in my chest. Alongside this, my face would experience episodes of warmth. Upon checking, I found my resting heart rate hovering in the 50s. While I’ve experienced this sensation intermittently in the past, it typically subsided after a few days. However, this time, it has persisted for a month, and I’ve now observed my heart rate dipping into the 40s while at rest. Despite the lower heart rate, my blood pressure remains stable; however, I do feel noticeably short of breath at times. I underwent an echocardiogram which revealed moderate thickening of the heart, similar to previous tests. While there is elevated pressure on the left side of my heart, it hasn't significantly increased compared to past assessments. A 48-hour Holter monitor revealed normal results, and my 12-lead ECGs were unremarkable, showing no signs of heart block or sick sinus syndrome. My laboratory tests, including BNP, Troponin, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and thyroid levels, all returned normal results. I plan to request a 72-hour monitoring with a 12-lead ECG and seek a consultation with an endocrinologist. Currently, I’ve been losing weight steadily, dropping from 470 pounds to 443 within approximately 35 to 40 days, largely by eliminating fast food from my diet. I am not taking any beta blockers since they discontinued that medication. Additionally, I am supplementing with a multivitamin, B vitamins, CoQ10, and fish oil alongside my Plavix and Crestor medications. I am curious about what might be causing these symptoms.
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 2:30:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed health history and concerns. It's clear you're navigating some complex issues, especially with your heart health and the changes you've been experiencing. Your symptoms of a low heart rate, noticeable thumping in your chest, warmth in your face, and shortness of breath require careful attention, especially given your history of diastolic dysfunction.
Main Points:
- Low Heart Rate & Symptoms: Your resting heart rate in the 50s and dipping into the 40s can be concerning, especially coupled with your shortness of breath and the thumping sensation in your chest.
- Weight Loss & Health Management: Steady weight loss from eliminating fast food is a positive change, but it’s essential to ensure that this weight loss is health-promoting without being too rapid.
- Next Steps: Since you've already taken significant measures, focusing on symptom monitoring, looking into possible causes, and continuing to engage with your healthcare team will be crucial.
Explanation:
A low heart rate, or bradycardia, can sometimes occur in well-conditioned athletes or people with healthy lifestyles, but given your background, it may require further investigation. Factors like medications, electrolyte imbalances, autonomic function, and cardiac health can all play a role. Your echocardiogram and Holter monitor results are reassuring, but your persistent symptoms suggest that ongoing observation and testing are warranted.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Continued Monitoring: Since you've requested a 72-hour monitoring with a 12-lead ECG, that is a great step. This will help capture any transient episodes that might correlate with your symptoms.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Keep yourself well-hydrated and ensure you're eating a balanced diet filled with whole foods, which can provide necessary nutrients to support your heart health as you continue your weight loss journey.
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Symptom Diary: Start a diary to log your symptoms, noting when they occur, their duration, and any associated factors (like physical activity, stress, diet). This information can be beneficial for your healthcare providers.
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Follow-up with Specialists: Continue to pursue consultations as planned, particularly with the endocrinologist, as hormonal imbalances could potentially be influencing your heart rate and overall well-being.
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Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with signs that warrant immediate medical attention such as increased shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe dizziness, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team if these occur.
Keep up the good work with your lifestyle changes, and remember that understanding your body and ensuring clear communication with your healthcare providers will be key in managing your symptoms effectively.
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