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Original poster

When to get medical help for low pulse?

30 replies

cinnamonswirls3 · 11/03/2025 09:29

Hey just wondered if anyone could help!

Does anyone know how low a heart rate is too low?
ie I know for some people it’s absolutely normal to have a heart rate in the 30s/40s and it’s actually not a concern, just wondered at what point is it too low?

I’ll try and keep it anonymous but basically the context is I got put on a medication that I don’t feel is right for me- it lowers resting heart rate, I flagged up that my resting heart rate is normally in the 50s and I don’t want or need it going lower (it was higher in hospital because of sheer exhaustion and stress) but they didn’t seem to believe me and told me to take this anyway. I’ve since found out that it’s not supposed to be used on resting heart rates under 70

since taking the medication my heart rate barely comes above 40 and it feels absolutely awful. I’ve had it sit in the 30s and dip into the 20s too

im waiting for an appt to see my dr to hopefully get off this medication because it’s felt awful, but in the meantime i was wondering at what point should i be concerned that it’s too low? Obviously in the 10s/10-20s is too low but in the 30s if I’m symptomatic is it generally ok to ride it out? Just thinking my only option would really be a&e but equally it’s not really an accident or emergency since I know it’s just from taking the medication and it’s been going on for a few weeks now, but equally if I was symptomatic would it be ok to go for this? Really don’t want to be a time waster

ah so confusing! I know it’s a very niche situation so not expecting any specific advice but just wondered if anyone knew anything at all

thank you x

OP posts:
Original poster
cinnamonswirls3 · 11/03/2025 09:41

No, ivrabradine

I was on different medication for a different heart arrhythmia but they took me off it and said to try ivabradine instead because my resting heart rate was high, I flagged up it was only temporarily high because I was exhausted and stressed in hospital, it’s normally in the 50s anyway because I play a lot of sports, but they said to try it anyway. it’s been awful! Think the lowest it’s been was 27. Didn’t want to be a time waster but equally didn’t know what to do so just rode it out

OP posts:
GettingThroughLifeOneGlassOfWineAtaTime · 11/03/2025 09:36

Definitely on the low side, particularly if you're symptomatic. What is the medication and why were you given it on the first place? It's not usually advisable to stop some medications suddenly but I would get an urgent appointment or call 111.

Happystrider1 · 11/03/2025 09:33

Mine sits high 50's/low 60's at rest it can dip below 50 at night. However this is using a smart watch rather an hospital equipment. I do naturally also have a low blood pressure.

I would say if you are feeling unwell with it then A&E or 111. I wouldn't want to be driving or doing anything responsible with a low heart rate that's making me feel like that.

NewtonsCradle · 11/03/2025 09:32

That's definitely too low. Ring 111 and see if you can talk to a GP.

AnnaMagnani · 11/03/2025 09:32

Were you given a beta blocker?

If so it sounds like you are on too much. Totally not a time waster, needs an early appointment.