Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Pulse in 30s? How low is too low?

38 replies

starsinthesky5 · 07/11/2025 00:53

Hey, bit of a strange one but I read online that slow pulse isn’t a problem as long as there’s no symptoms. Does anyone know how slow this applies to? Does there realistically become a point where too slow is bad even if asymptomatic?

only reason I ask is I’ve strangely had a really low heart rate today- I have a history of SVT (avnrt, atrial, junctional) as well as various intermittent blocks (2:1, wenckebach, Lbbb). Basically a walking talking ecg textbook at this point unfortunately.

i naturally have a low resting heart rate anyway (late 40s- low 60s) which I think is more due to how much intense exercise I do - I take medication (CCB) for my other arythmia but it doesn’t actually lower my heart rate, it just stops the problematic rhythm. My resting heart rate stays the same with/without the medication and I’ve not had any issues with the meds

today I felt a bit sick and tired and I checked my heart just out of interest and it was sitting about 31-39. I think the sickness was more just hunger tbh because I felt better after eating and I didnt have any other symptoms. The low pulse definitely wasnt to do with the medication because I hadn’t taken it today anyway.

im not sure why it was so low today but im assuming its from exercise

does anyone know, how low is too low? Or is it basically just the case if there’s no symptoms it’s always fine? I feel fine whereas when I previously had svt/blocks I felt unwell, but just wasn’t sure if I should be worried about this or not? I’ve attached my Apple Watch below- NOT so people can interpret it but just as proof of the low pulse

Pulse in 30s? How low is too low?
Pulse in 30s? How low is too low?
OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Winefride · 09/07/2026 04:10

Normally, I would say to not worry about it because it depends on the device you're using as to how accurate your readings are, average reading over time (a few occasions of low RHR when awake is not a big deal), environmental effects etc.

My RHR is around 38-40 when I'm at my ideal body weight, not drinking alcohol etc.

However, since you have a history, I would check in with the GP/consultant.

I wouldn't take the risk of allowing the internet to (mis)diagnose you and it will help you with peace of mind.

Edit: Just realised that this thread is a few months old - hope you're okay OP!

Firefly1987 · 09/07/2026 04:05

Any update on this OP?

sashh · 06/12/2025 07:00

youngerself · 05/12/2025 00:08

You need a pacemaker imo as @sashh says just above.

There is a high degree heart block on your ecg with dissociated p waves

You need to be referred to cardiology - an electrophysiology specialist preferably

I was just about to say that. OP someone needs to look at that and make further investigations.

Juno511 · 05/12/2025 08:14

Please see someone today and show them the ECG you’ve posted here. A&E or same day GP ( who may v well send you to A&E anyway ) as below you likely need a pacemaker and it’s urgent not something that’s safe to wait around on.

APC303 · 05/12/2025 07:45

starsinthesky5 · 04/12/2025 20:45

Thank you, yeah definitely going to pursue getting it checked out/investigated, it’s been low before but not like this if that makes sense x

Show quote history

You don't seem to be in a hurry to do anything about it. If not A+E, at least call 111 and ask them what to do.

Silly question though, have you manually taken your pulse, in case your watch is just wrong?

RampantIvy · 05/12/2025 07:16

DH went to the GP last week with a worryingly low heart rate. She sent him straight to A and E.

He had heart surgery recently, and one of the symptoms he had before the surgery was a low heart rate.

This definitely needs investigating.

youngerself · 05/12/2025 00:08

You need a pacemaker imo as @sashh says just above.

There is a high degree heart block on your ecg with dissociated p waves

You need to be referred to cardiology - an electrophysiology specialist preferably

Original poster
starsinthesky5 · 04/12/2025 20:45

Bookpage · 04/12/2025 20:20

My resting heart rate is 31-35. I went to GP once, as I was worried it was too low. He treated me like a fool for having concerns when I felt well.

I still think it's worth checking out if this is unusual for you though

Thank you, yeah definitely going to pursue getting it checked out/investigated, it’s been low before but not like this if that makes sense x

OP posts:
Chazbots · 04/12/2025 20:24

A YouTube channel I follow "Always another adventure" did some very interesting videos with a cardiologist recently and the guy on there had a very low heart rate. He's now got a pacemaker and he got pretty ill.

I'd be insisting on seeing the cardiologist pretty quickly, I think.

Bookpage · 04/12/2025 20:20

My resting heart rate is 31-35. I went to GP once, as I was worried it was too low. He treated me like a fool for having concerns when I felt well.

I still think it's worth checking out if this is unusual for you though

Original poster
starsinthesky5 · 04/12/2025 20:16

just thought I’d post a bit of an update, I’ve had a few more episodes of it happening but no further forward with answers. Sometimes it goes slow and stays there for a while, other times it sort of jumps about. I’ve not gone to a&e for it again because although I’ve felt sick a few times it’s been generally quite mild. I’m just been taking lots of readings on my Watch while I wait because I was previously told it’s actually helpful so when I’m next seen I’ll show them. I’ll drop it below, not because I’m looking for specific medical interpretation, but so it makes more sense when I say it feels like it’s jumping about. Just really frustrating how it keeps happening 🤷🏼‍♀️

Pulse in 30s? How low is too low?
Pulse in 30s? How low is too low?
OP posts:
CheeriosOrFrosties · 11/11/2025 21:02

How are you doing @starsinthesky5 ?

sashh · 10/11/2025 05:06

GoodShipSerenity · 07/11/2025 01:16

This is too low, and can absolutely cause you to feel sick and tired. You are severely bradycardic with symptoms and have a large history of arrythmia. Please call an ambulance and get checked over in hospital, you may need an IV infusion to keep your heart rate up.

I am a cardiology nurse, this pulse needs checking in hospital even without symptoms.

Edited

I'm an ex cardiac tech and totally agree.

SVT and heart blocks (2:1, wenckebach, Lbbb) need investigating. I would not be surprised if your AV node is not working.

You need to see a doctor, preferably a cardiologist and be prepared to have a pacemaker fitted, either with or without an EPS.

caringcarer · 10/11/2025 02:39

For goodness sake go to A&E OP.

Objectrelations · 10/11/2025 00:16

hi there @starsinthesky5
I was in a similar position to you lots of exercise, family history of low heart rate - my heart rate at rest 39 or 40 for several years. Although unusual everyone, including me, thought it was just because of the genetics and the exercise.

This year I started to develop palpitations and feel dizzy with them. Carried on totally ignoring i. It started getting worse . Went to A&E a month ago and my heart rate had dropped to 27.

At some point actually what has been happening was that I’ve been getting progressively worse heart block and then a couple of weeks ago it deteriorated to the point at which it actually became life-threatening.

I was admitted and was then getting between four and eight seconds pauses between heartbeats and had to go on an IV drip until a pacemaker could be fitted. The whole experience has been terrifying.

I really really would stress it’s very important to go to hospital and get this checked. I put it off and left it until I had a really bad episode to present to A&E at which point it become life-threatening.

GoodShipSerenity · 09/11/2025 23:42

starsinthesky5 · 09/11/2025 18:52

Sorry just posting again to see if anyone knows, I totally understand your heart rate can go low during your sleep and it doesn’t cause any issues but is 29 too low? Or does it not matter since I’m asleep so not exactly going to get any symptoms? Getting help for this from hospital has been challenging and I feel like im going round in circles

It matters a lot because you have not had an assessment while it happens and a cardiologist has said that it's ok. If you were my patient and your HR dropped for a prolonged time to 29bpm, even a few minutes I would want to start a medication to support you through that. My concern is that your electrical conducting system will become discoordinated and each stage of the electrical impulse takes longer to go through. I'm worried that your heart rate will stay too low while you are sleeping.

Bamboozled5 · 09/11/2025 19:35

Mine drops into the 30s at night which as you say the cardiologist seemed relaxed over. I have LBBB and LVSD. But if it was consistently that low in the day combined with your known heart conditions, I do wonder if you may need a pacemaker/ICD. The fact you exercise a lot is a complicating factor! What did A&E say?

Original poster
starsinthesky5 · 09/11/2025 19:28

SleepySquirrel52 · 09/11/2025 19:24

As others have said even without symptoms that's A&E worthy if it's persistently below 40. Unless may you're an ultra marathon runner world class fitness level then potentially might be ok.

Id be surprised if A&E assessment didn't result in a cardiology review, unless maybe there's an obvious simple cause/fix like medication change that they might have the expertise in department to sort i.e. Stop a beta blocker of you're on one.

If very weirdly A&E discharge you without sorting goto your GP for a follow up/referral back to cardiology.

Yeah it’s so weird, I normally take medication for my heart (CCB) but I haven’t taken it in days so it’s definitely not that, and I’ve had this happen before where it goes really fast then really slow and it was without my medication so we know it’s not that but equally nobody seems to know what it is. It’s so frustrating! I’ve never had it go quite this low for this long. It’s about 32-35 now

OP posts:
SleepySquirrel52 · 09/11/2025 19:24

As others have said even without symptoms that's A&E worthy if it's persistently below 40. Unless may you're an ultra marathon runner world class fitness level then potentially might be ok.

Id be surprised if A&E assessment didn't result in a cardiology review, unless maybe there's an obvious simple cause/fix like medication change that they might have the expertise in department to sort i.e. Stop a beta blocker of you're on one.

If very weirdly A&E discharge you without sorting goto your GP for a follow up/referral back to cardiology.

youalright · 09/11/2025 19:11

My cardiologist says he's not concerned unless it drops below 40 for a length of time so 30 definitely isnt ok. Id go to a&e

Ilovehighlandcows · 09/11/2025 19:06

My RHR is around 35, no other symptoms though - if you have symptoms then get checked out!

RampantIvy · 09/11/2025 19:01

I don't want to worry you, but one of DH's symptoms was a very low resting heart rate. It turned out that he needed a valve replacement. Please seek medical advice.

Original poster
starsinthesky5 · 09/11/2025 18:52

Sorry just posting again to see if anyone knows, I totally understand your heart rate can go low during your sleep and it doesn’t cause any issues but is 29 too low? Or does it not matter since I’m asleep so not exactly going to get any symptoms? Getting help for this from hospital has been challenging and I feel like im going round in circles

OP posts:
Original poster
starsinthesky5 · 09/11/2025 15:38

Just thought I’d post an update in case anyone else is about. It’s still sitting low 30s so I’m just going to go back again. I don’t feel unwell other than tired so feel like a bit of a fraud going to a&e but equally it’s just a bit too low for comfort, maybe I’m just stressing about nothing though but I don’t like the idea of it going from 30s to 20s when I’m sleeping

OP posts:
Original poster
starsinthesky5 · 09/11/2025 11:02

GoodShipSerenity · 08/11/2025 01:54

How are you now OP? I hope you have been seen now and there is a plan for you.

Show quote history

Honestly not really a plan. When I got to a&e it was a bit faster again so it was generally all ok. It was ok yesterday but now today it’s back down to 32-40 and apparently in my sleep was 29 (I know in your sleep your heart rate goes lower but it’s never been that low) So frustrating

I’ve had episodes of really low heart rates before but this is probably the longest it’s lasted on/off. It’s definitely not the medication because I haven’t taken it from when it started (I’ve never had any issues with the medication and it’s been great at controlling the other problems)

OP posts: