Bradycardia During Covid-19 Infection
F28, 110lb, standing at 5’1 Hello, I’m currently on the fifth day of battling Covid-19 and have observed that my resting heart rate has dropped unusually low while I’m awake. Typically, my heart rate rests around the mid 50s to 60s during wakeful hours and falls to the low 50s or even high 40s when I sleep (I engage in physical activity a few times weekly, though I'm not particularly athletic). Last night, my heart rate plummeted to 41 beats per minute during sleep. Throughout today, I've mostly been at rest and noted that it occasionally dips into the mid to high 40s while I'm awake, which is out of the ordinary for me. However, if I stand up and move about, my heart rate tends to rise again. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced any dizziness. I measured my blood pressure, which was 125/78. Overall, my Covid symptoms have remained mild. I haven’t had a fever—just a mild sore throat and some fatigue. The only medication I’m currently taking is paxlovid. Additionally, I’ve been using 5mg of dextromethorphan before bed to help with a dry cough that occurs right before I drift off to sleep. I’m mainly worried about the possibility of sleeping with a heart rate that is already on the lower end.
Answers (1)
9/10/2025, 8:40:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your heart rate, especially during an illness like COVID-19. Bradycardia, or a slower than normal heart rate, can be noticeable during infections. Given your context, let’s break this down.
Key Points:
- You're experiencing lower-than-normal heart rates while at rest, particularly during sleep.
- Your other vital signs, like blood pressure, are stable.
- Symptoms from COVID-19 remain mild.
Explanation:
During illnesses like COVID-19, your heart rate may decrease due to factors such as increased vagal tone (a natural response in respiratory infections) or effects from medications like Paxlovid. Resting heart rates in the 40s can be concerning if accompanied by symptoms like dizziness or fainting, but since you’re not experiencing these, it suggests your body is coping well at this time.
While Paxlovid can help manage your symptoms, it can also affect your heart rate as your body reacts to the medication. It's also worth noting that anxiety about your heart rate could potentially influence it as well.
Next Steps:
- Stay Hydrated: Keep drinking fluids to maintain hydration, which can support overall cardiovascular health during an infection.
- Monitor Symptoms: Since you've noted variations in your heart rate, continue to track it at different times (resting vs. active) and keep an eye on any new symptoms, especially dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
- Movement: If you notice your heart rate rises upon standing or moving around, this is generally a good sign. Gentle movements like walking around the house can help maintain a healthy heart rate.
- Rest and Recovery: Prioritize rest as your body fights off the infection. Avoid overexertion.
- Consider Monitoring: If comfortable, consider using a heart rate monitor or app to keep an eye on your heart rate trends throughout the day.
If your heart rate drops below 40 beats per minute during the day or you begin to experience new symptoms, it may be essential to seek further guidance. However, if your current state feels stable, maintaining your self-care routines and monitoring your symptoms should suffice for now.
Feel free to reach out if you have further concerns or need clarification on any of these points. Take care!
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