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Low pulse rate, low blood pressure and slight dizzy spells

17 replies

ExpressDelivery · 06/08/2021 21:56

I've been to the doctor and more or less laughed at - low blood pressure is a good thing. Indeed the dizzy spells are.only slight, the feeling of the room spinning when I first stand up, but it's every time I stand up. Sometimes only momentarily, sometimes for a few seconds.

According to DH's blood pressure monitor today my blood pressure is 93/49 and my resting heart rate is 37.

Doctor doesn't seem to think this is an issue, but I'm feeling uneasy about it. I'm really not someone to waste a doctor's time, I can probably count the number of times I've been in my lifetime on one hand.

I'm 51, healthy weight and exercise regularly.

Do I need to go back?

OP posts:
Lindy2 · 06/08/2021 21:59

I'm quite prone to this - although not quite as much as you are experiencing.

I've personally found that it seems to be linked to low sugar for me. I try not to eat much sugar for health reasons but if I get dizzy spells on standing up, if I have a biscuit or some chocolate it stops.

JumpLeadsForTwo · 06/08/2021 22:03

That's a really low heart rate unless you are super fit. I'd go back and see another GP who will take you seriously.

Daisy95 · 06/08/2021 22:06

Have you looked into pots? I have this and have to take medication for it due to my blood pressure just getting lower & lower and fainting all the time.
Have you done your blood pressure standing, sitting and then laying down and then standing straight up and talking it? Is there any difference?

It's a horrible feeling and lots of gps fobbed me off until I finally got referred to cardiology who diagnosed me with pots xx

TheFoundations · 06/08/2021 22:09

See another doctor. Any GP who says you're fine when you're having dizzy spells needs sentencing to life on the Waltzers. Dizziness is dangerous.

PurplePumpkinDream · 07/08/2021 11:51

I’ve nearly fainted on your current blood pressure, but I usually suffer with high BP so perhaps that’s the reason. But yes agree with other posters, as it bothers you the GP needs to do something. Can you see another doctor?

leafygarden42 · 07/08/2021 11:54

A resting heart rate of 37 is very low - unless you're an athlete/runner -

I would go back and see a different GP

ExpressDelivery · 07/08/2021 11:55

Yes, I'm a runner, my heart rate should be low. But I'm a 51yo runner and far from elite.

OP posts:
Mrssmithscrisps · 07/08/2021 12:08

I have low blood pressure and have been experiencing this lately. Not quite as low as yours.
I hate to say it, but it can be linked to menopause as it effects circulation and blood sugar levels.

TheFoundations · 07/08/2021 12:09

Low heart rate is fine (my Dr measured mine and said to me 'You're either nearly dead or you're an athlete!') but it isn't fine when it comes with other symptoms. That's what makes it worthy of further investigation.

endofthelinefinally · 07/08/2021 15:59

HR of 37 really is too low.
Have you actually placed your fingers on your pulse at the wrist and counted it using the second hand on a watch or clock? Electronic monitors can be inaccurate, particularly if the HR is irregular.
If your pulse really is that low or irregular you need an ECG urgently. The dizziness is particularly concerning.
Are you on any medication or dietary supplements?
My DD is an extremely fit athlete in her early 20s and her resting HR is about 46.

endofthelinefinally · 07/08/2021 16:00

I mean that home BP monitors can be inaccurate re HR, not the ones used in hospital.

endofthelinefinally · 07/08/2021 16:02

I am going out now so won't be back to this thread, but I would strongly suggest you check your pulse then speak to 111.

vivainsomnia · 07/08/2021 17:50

This was me 4 years ago. My doctor agreed to refer me to cardiology where I had every tests. Confirmed my very low BP and RHR. Unfortunately, there are no miracle treatment as the only drugs available come with quite severe side effects so are only given if patients faint regularly and it becomes a danger. My fainting episodes were the only thing the specialist was interested it.

I note you are 51. I now know that my low BP, heart rate and dizziness was induced by the peri-menopause. For most, changes in hormones come with an increase of both, but occasionally, it does the opposite, especially if you are naturally a fit person.

As advised, I gave up all caffeine (I was only having a few cups of tea), all alcohol (that was easy as didn't drink), increased significantly how much water I drank (that was the main recommendation) and occasionally wore stockings.

Ultimately, the dizziness and fainting suddenly stopped when I went fully into the menopause. When my RHR goes very low, I don't feel poorly like I used to.

However, you should be seen as in rare cases, it could be the sign of heart dysfunction is it's important to rule it out.

NothingIsWrong · 07/08/2021 18:03

I have similar. I am not at all athletic and my RHR is in the low 40's and blood pressure 95/65.

GP just told me not to stand up to quickly.

I find making sure I'm really well hydrated helps, but beyond that GP had nothing to suggest.

Wigeon · 07/08/2021 18:06

That does seem like a extremely low resting heart rate - have you taken it the old-fashioned way? That is, take your pulse for 30 seconds and double it?

However, feeling dizzy on standing isn’t in itself that worrying - I’ve had that practically my whole life since teenage. You just have to learn to get up more slowly. Every single time!

sparklesandmoresparkles · 07/08/2021 18:57

I had the same (though slightly different numbers), and the only thing they could find was my ferritin was a bit low. Though not enough for them to actually do anything as it was the infamous ‘in range’ Hmm

I started taking iron tablets and my symptoms went within a week or so.

vivainsomnia · 08/08/2021 08:52

RHR is an average rate, not just your lowest heart rate in the day. Some devices will give an accurate reading (my fitbit gave a very similar recording than the device I had to wear for 5 days, but cheaper ones are not).

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