Significant Decrease in Average Resting Heart Rate
Greetings everyone! I’m a 33-year-old woman, weighing 67 kilograms and standing at 156 centimeters tall, and I've observed a noticeable decline in my resting heart rate. Over the past five weeks, it has decreased from an average of 70 beats per minute to approximately 55 beats per minute, and it appears to be continuing this downward trend. Seven weeks ago, I ceased using Mounjaro because my general practitioner advised me to stop, believing that my health was already in a good place as I am trying to conceive. Prior to that, I had been on gl1p for three years, starting at a weight of 64 kilograms. Since then, I've added a little weight. At the moment, I’m taking Vitamin D, folate, fish oil, and CoQ10 in my efforts to conceive. Additionally, I’m not certain if it’s related, but I underwent oral surgery for wisdom teeth extraction under general anesthesia three weeks ago. The nurse indicated before the surgery that I had low blood pressure, which I don’t recall ever having recorded previously. Initially, I thought it might just be a one-time occurrence, but after the surgery, the nurse observed the same issue and had to monitor me a few times afterward. I haven’t experienced any other concerning symptoms. My exercise routine hasn’t improved since I stopped the medication, which likely contributed to some weight gain. Today, my resting heart rate stands at 54 beats per minute, down from last week’s average of 60 beats per minute, which feels rather low to me. Should I be concerned about this change? I don’t feel any different—no signs of fatigue, breathlessness, or dizziness—yet I’m contemplating whether I should seek further evaluation.
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 2:40:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
A significant decrease in your average resting heart rate, especially from 70 beats per minute to 54 beats per minute, can raise some concerns, but it’s essential to consider the broader context of your health. Given that your heart rate is still relatively low but you're not experiencing symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, or dizziness, it may reflect your overall fitness level, particularly if you're active or have been reducing stress.
Explanation
A resting heart rate can vary widely based on factors like physical fitness, medication, hormonal changes, and overall health. Athletes often have lower resting heart rates due to more efficient heart function. If you've recently stopped certain medications, like Mounjaro, this could also affect your heart rate. The low blood pressure noted during your surgery might relate to your heart rate drop, indicating your body is adjusting.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Continue observing your resting heart rate and be mindful of any new symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or unusual shortness of breath. Keep a record of your heart rate at rest each morning for a week.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you stay well-hydrated and have a balanced diet, particularly as you’re trying to conceive. Being well-nourished can support overall cardiovascular health.
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Gentle Physical Activity: Aim for regular but gentle exercise, if you're not already, such as walking or low-impact workouts, which can help maintain a healthy heart rate.
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Follow Up on Blood Pressure: Since you were noted to have low blood pressure, consider monitoring this at home if you feel comfortable, or follow up with a healthcare provider. A consistent recording will provide valuable information.
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Consultation Timing: If your resting heart rate continues to drop or if you begin to experience concerning symptoms, it would be wise to seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues.
It’s great that you’re mindful of these changes, and keeping track of your health is crucial, especially while trying to conceive. If you have more concerns or experience changes, don’t hesitate to reach out for more personalized advice.
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