Pulse in 30s? How low is too low?

[starsinthesky5]

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

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.

How are you doing @starsinthesky5 ?

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 🤷🏼‍♀️

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

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.

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

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

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.

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?

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.

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