Any Heart Experts on?? Very worried about DD

[LimeAndLemons]

Hi all.

Dd is 21, she had to sign up with a new GP due to being home from uni.
At the health screening with the nurse, the nurse said her pulse was low (55bpm and was dropping) but irregular, and her BP was at the high end of normal range.
Dd is slightly overweight, but fairly fit - she cycles, swims, and walks and runs.

GP practice has just called saying the GP reviewed her screening and she's referring DD for an ecg and loads of blood tests.

Dd has only just told me she has frequent palpitations - she just put it down to anxiety or stress. Also during sleep her heart rate can drop to 35, which seems very low to me.

Worried sick. DD trying to get back through to GP for more info.

Don't panic.
It's common for low PR in v fit people.
So are palpitations.
It's sensible to get an ECG and bloods but, other than palpitations ( is she aware of her heart rate going up high, or just aware of slow, odd missed beats, which could be ectopics and not, in themselves, worrying.
If she is feeling fit and well, no undue heavy periods, then I would see this as a reasurring step and not one that nec leads to a referral to cardiology

It sounds like a cardiac evaluation would be a good thing.

Having irregular heart rhythms is very common and most of them are benign. Sometimes they can cause problems and most of them are very treatable these days either with drugs or with an ablation. The key is to get a proper evaluation. The arrhythmias are difficult to diagnose sometimes because they often just dont occur when you are hooked up to the ECG machine, so they may prescribe a 48hr holter monitor which will record her heart for a full 2 days and give a fuller picture. I would push for one.

The low heart rate is more of a problem and you should be asking lots of questions about that. Again it is treatable, but less easily.

You should also be asking for an echosonogram, its an ultrasound of the heart and it looks for structural problems like floppy valves etc. it is an essential part of a full cardiac work up.

Thank you both for your replies. I'll be honest, I just panicked like mad. Dd is completely unfazed! GP is calling her back later this afternoon so we'll know more then.

Thanks again xx

Dont forget, she has got through 21 years with just being a bit uncomfortable now and then. It is worth following up properly though and if she ever has arrthymia and feels faint or lightheaded or chest pain, she should be seen by a doctor asap

Also look at the Kardia (on amazon) its a home ECG device you use with your phone. Very high quality and you can save the tracings to show the doctor. My cardiologist recommended it and it has (literally) been a lifesaver.

My heart rate is the same, OP. I'm around 52 resting and can drop into the 30's when sleeping (according to my fitbit.) I don't have any cardiac issues at all (i've had a lot of testing).

Even giving birth, my HR never went above 65. The midwife asked if I was a pro-athlete or if I was dying.

Don't panic just yet, OP. It could be something or nothing. And, like someone else said...HR is known to drop in people who are fit.

Sorry for the late update.
The GP phoned, DD has her ecg on Tuesday. She said it was just being on the safe side to rule any cardiac issues out - she thinks it's highly unlikely though.

Feel much better now! Thank you all for your kind replies and advice xxx

My son has low BP and always has, he's very slim and tall. At first there was a concern but after years of having regular BP checked (for medication purposes) they have decided that's just the way he is. He's also had to have some heart tests and again that was fine. They did say to he that altheted (my son definitely isn't 😂) have a lower blood pressure. X

*athletes

I'm mid 50s in age and my pulse is often below 50 when seated. It drops down into the 30s at night. I saw a cardiologist and was discharged with no action.

Has she had her iron levels checked? My dd had this and it was due to anaemia