Low resting heart rate - concerning?

[RoonilWazlib21]

I'm a very unfit 43 year old female. I'm not overweight but I'm at the top end of the healthy weight for my height (BMI 24)

My resting heart rate is consistently 53bpm. It goes as low as 46bpm during the day and has dropped to 43bpm overnight. I've suffered from ectopic beats for years and had a 24 hour ECG done which showed I had almost 20,000 extra beats in that 24 hour period alone. The consultant said my heart would get tired eventually and they would be looking to do a heart ablation in time but that was in 2018 and I've heard nothing since.

These days I'm exhausted, so tired during the day and exertion makes me quite breathless after a short amount of time. The ectopic beats are still happening and along with the very low resting heart rate I'm not sure if I'm right to be concerned or just worrying about nothing.

Is such a low resting heart rate normal for some people?

The low resting heart rate isn't normally anything to worry about (mines really low bern checked and all ok) however coupled with the other stuff I'd be going to see a doctor

Are you on beta blockers? Mine was low when I was- ivexweaned off and it has jumped by about 20 a minute on average to around 74

With your history and symptoms, I'd be going to the doctors for further investigations.

I'm of similar age with a resting HR that goes into the 40s, but I'm fit and all feels good which is a totally different scenario.

Mine's low, not as low as 43 though, and I have low blood pressure. Not sure if that's related though.

If it causes symptoms (which you are suggesting it does) and you already have been or are under the care of a cardiologist then I'd have thought it would just be best to contact that consultant or ask the GP to refer you back to them for assessment.

Low resting heart rate absolutely can be normal for some people, particularly the very fit however with symptoms like breathlessness and noticeable fatigue then it should be checked. I'd also check your blood pressure.

A low resting heart rate on its own is not generally a concern. My husband’s is low 50s, which he attributes to fitness. We have a friend that’s a professional sportsman and his is in the 40s.

But your symptoms combined sound concerning and should be checked.

I have very similar heart features to you and have a diagnosed heart condition needing daily medication. It may be normal for you but at the least you need a repeat ECG and an echocardiogram to show how efficiently your heart is pumping. No one is very bothered by my low heart rate as I am not passing out! It went as low as 31bpm at one point in my trace! They seem to be more interested in how you function than the actual numbers.

It could be a sign that your heart is getting a bit tired as the consultant said. There are some fantastic medications which really boost heart function. There are also pacemakers and ICDs if needed. Definitely try to get another check over with your increased symptoms. Cardiologists do seem incredibly laid back and appointments are not frequent!

Relative had v low heart rate even when exercising, later had series of heart attacks and 3 stents put in place to open up clogged arteries