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Covid

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Original poster

Low heart rate

24 replies

GnomeyGnome · 20/08/2021 15:23

Day 11 of Covid. Feeling much better than I have been in some ways but overwhelmingly exhausted. Have been keeping an eye on my heart rate and oxygen levels using a pulse oximeter. Oxygen levels have been pretty stable, had a few days where it would drop to 91/92 but with deep breathing I could get it back up to an acceptable level. Resting heart rate between 70-80, rising to over 100 when moving around.

Today I'm feeling very lightheaded (more than the previous 10 days), heavy feeling in my chest and shaky. Oxygen levels very good, 96-98. But resting heart rate hovering around 50-55 rising to 70ish when moving. Lowest has been 48. I've always associated high heart rate with a problem, low = good. But wondering if this is normal or I should be speaking to someone? Anyone know much about low heart rates? Contrary to how I'm feeling, could this just be a good thing?

OP posts:
MRex · 20/08/2021 15:31

See a doctor please, you need a check on you heart. Dial 111 initially.

HSHorror · 20/08/2021 15:55

Are you fit? Maybe it was low pre covid.

kittykarate · 20/08/2021 16:04

Resting heart rate between 70-80, rising to over 100 when moving around.

Resting as in REALLY resting, or resting, sat at my desk mumsnetting?

My mumsnetting resting heart rate is in the high 70s (higher depending on topic!), but my normal true resting is 65.

So you really need to know what it is normally before you panic. Also how are you measuring it?

Original poster
GnomeyGnome · 20/08/2021 16:11

Thanks for the responses.. Not fit unfortunately, my "healthy" heart rate is usually low 70's based on my Fitbit but appreciate that this may not be accurate. Currently measuring pulse with pulse oximeter machine and manually checking my pulse for 60 seconds. This is whilst lying on the sofa.

I've left a message with my GP. They said they'd try to get her to call back before end of the day.

OP posts:
Purplewithred · 20/08/2021 16:17

Actually, I think you should call 111 for a faster response

Forstarters · 20/08/2021 16:18

My resting heart rate is in the mid 50’s and it never used to be. I am not fit!

Nobloat21 · 20/08/2021 16:20

I would want that checked out. It's nowhere near your normal rhr. I wouldn't mess with covid symptoms.

2boysand1princess · 20/08/2021 16:57

My resting heart rate is 45-55ish. I used to think was too low, but discovered it is normal for me and also a good thing.
Are you petite? I’m quite petite and I actually believe that maybe a possible factor as well as genetics (dad and 2 of my siblings also have low resting heart rate)
Either way it’s nothing to be worried about.

nannynick · 20/08/2021 18:11

There is an app called Cardiogram which links to your Fitbit data and produces better graphs than the Fitbit app. It may help as a way to record the heart rhythm so that when you see a GP you can show them some heart rate history. You can also record on the app how you were feeling at that time... the app flags certain events on the heart rhythm so you can add information about how you were feeling after an event, and things like if you fainted.

I would focus on symptoms: very lightheaded, heavy feeling in chest, shaky. Seek medical advice if you are at all concerned, then you can get guidance on what would be something medically concerning and what is not.

Anxiety may be making things worse, so try to relax and not think about it too much. Try not to monitor things constantly - have an app do it for you and then log in to the app a few times a day to review the past 6-12 hours.

MRex · 20/08/2021 18:40

@2boysand1princess

My resting heart rate is 45-55ish. I used to think was too low, but discovered it is normal for me and also a good thing. Are you petite? I’m quite petite and I actually believe that maybe a possible factor as well as genetics (dad and 2 of my siblings also have low resting heart rate) Either way it’s nothing to be worried about.
I know you mean well, but a dramatic change needs a professional to do some heart rate monitoring in order to confirm if there is or is not a problem. Please don't give false reassurance to someone who requires medical advice, you don't want them to decide not to follow up if there is an issue.
trappistkepler · 20/08/2021 20:48

@2boysand1princess Either way it’s nothing to be worried about

Unfortunately that is absolutely not true. A low heart rate (relative to a person's regular readings) can be just as problematic as a relatively high one. The heart isn't working hard enough. But I don't mean that to worry you OP, see if it improves. But don't necessarily associate it with a good thing, just be alert.

Kitcat122 · 21/08/2021 10:12

My heart rate was all over the place for quite a while after I had Covid along with breathlessness and very heavy chest and chest pains. I am fine now with no lasting damage but you should get it checked out. (As I did).

Siepie · 21/08/2021 14:53

That’s within the ‘normal’ range for heart rates - but it’s not normal for you, so speak to a doctor.

It may be nothing, but when it comes to your heart, it’s always better to get checked out.

Original poster
GnomeyGnome · 21/08/2021 17:36

Just an update, been to A&E after 111 referred me there. They were happy with ECG but d-dimer very high, they think it's a pulmonary embolism. I've had a fragmin injection and they've given me another to inject tomorrow, back on Monday morning for a CT scan.

OP posts:
Nobloat21 · 21/08/2021 17:41

Bloody hell! Well done for seeking help. Hope all will be ok.

HereticFanjo · 21/08/2021 19:19

Glad you got checked OP.

nannynick · 21/08/2021 19:21

Great that you have been to get medical advice. D-dimer... what is that, something to do with clotting?

Original poster
GnomeyGnome · 21/08/2021 19:39

@nannynick Yes, they said it doesn't mean I have a clot 100% but is a good indicator along with other symptoms. I've also got a genetic condition that raises my chance of blood clots. Apparently it's quite common after Covid. The virus that keeps on giving.

OP posts:
MRex · 21/08/2021 20:28

@GnomeyGnome

Just an update, been to A&E after 111 referred me there. They were happy with ECG but d-dimer very high, they think it's a pulmonary embolism. I've had a fragmin injection and they've given me another to inject tomorrow, back on Monday morning for a CT scan.
Sorry to hear that, but good that you're being treated. Good luck. Fragmin really burns, ouch, hope you're ok!
Forstarters · 22/08/2021 12:46

Glad you got checked!

MRex · 23/08/2021 16:19

How did your CT scan go?

Original poster
GnomeyGnome · 27/08/2021 19:38

Sorry for the late reply! Thanks for checking in. There was a small blood clot in my lung. I finished the fragmin injections on Wednesday (thank God, the burn!) and I'm now on something called apixaban. I'll get a follow up appointment in the post but they said I'll be on them for 3 months minimum. Feeling much better now though and hoping Covid won't throw any new surprises up!

OP posts:
Eorks · 27/08/2021 19:41

Oh my goodness, OP. So glad you phoned 111!

MRex · 27/08/2021 19:51

Great that you've got the right treatment and finally feeling a bit better, I hope you're fully recovered soon.

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