Dizzy spells, is this OK from GP

[Thenotes]

I am not a big user of the NHS, can't remember the last time I went to GP for myself but have always been very grateful when family members have needed it.

I've been having some short lived dizzy spells. A few moments of wooziness when I stand up, or sometimes if I sit up straighter.

My heart rate monitor says I have an average resting heart rate of 38, which although I'm quite fit is low for a 50yo woman. People have been telling me for a while that this, coupled with the dizzy spells means I should see a doctor, so I did.

Anyway, I told GP all this. He took blood pressure and heart rate, which was normal but I had just climbed the stairs to see him and sitting in front of a doctor never puts you at your most relaxed. He didnt set any store by what I told him was my "normal" heart rate.

Anyway, he looked in my eyes and decided I wasn't anemnic but that he'd send me for an iron blood test anyway. Other than that nothing wrong, just make sure I stay hydrated.

Is that enough and I should just get used to the dizzy spells? When I posted on here before about the heart rate people were suggesting I go straight to A&E! (I didn't)

[thesunwillout]

Sounds similar to my cousin's symptoms.
She has postural tachycardia syndrome.

[swingofthings]

Resting heart rate of 38? Are you sure it is reading properly? Because that is definitely extremely low.

I started to have issue with dizziness during the perimenopause and it got really bad. Resulted in referral to ENT, than an MRI scan and finally a cardiologist as I'd also identified that my RHR was low, at 48/49 at times. All tests came back normal.

I now know that this is all linked with the menopause. I noticed that my RHR would go especially when my period was due. Now that I am officially in the menopause, I am fine, RHR a bit higher and no dizziness at all.

Still, if your RHR is truly 38, you do need to see your GP.

[Goodnightjude1]

My RHR is usually about 44. Can go down to around 29 when I’m asleep. I’m due back to see a cardiologist soon and may have to have a pacemaker. I’m prone to fainting a lot and have dizzy spells frequently. Nobody seems to know why...it’s just how I am I guess. I’d get a second opinion if I were you. That’s certainly a very low RHR.

[Fairylea]

You need more tests. I would be asking for tests for Addison’s disease, b12 deficiency, anaemia (although I know this is one thing you’re going to be tested for) and also a full ecg and heart tests etc.

If you have tests for Addison’s you need a morning cortisol test before 9am and to be off anything with oestrogen in it (hrt etc) for 6 weeks before testing.

I have Addison’s and anaemia, my first symptoms were low heart rate and dizziness.

[SeaToSki]

It sounds like you are developing heart block. You are likely to die in your sleep if I am correct and you don't get it seen to. It is easily curable with a pacemaker. You must go to A and E and make a fuss. If you can take a photo of your heart rate monitor when your pulse is low, take the photo in and explain how low it is going and for how long. You are right that mental stress of going to the doctor will push it up a bit. Anything under 40bpm is cause for immediate action. Please believe me, I do know what I am talking about, go to A and E right now and ask about heart block.

[Star8181]

My resting heart rate is 43/44 and often goes down to 38 at night. I’ve just had a 5 day heart monitor. I’ve not received the results yet, so not very helpful I’m afraid but just to say my GP did investigate further.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

You definitely need to push for them to do a 24 hour monitor at the very least.

I was very anaemic and kept being told it was 'just' anaemia when I kept collapsing. Actually my heart rate / blood pressure were going crazy every time I moved/sat for a while/stood up. I'm much better now they've found the right medication for me, although I do have to keep an eye on my iron too.

[lljkk]

Oh FFS, Deaths caused by heart block are rare. That NHS page implies most people who have it don't even know it, zero problems.