Low heart rate | Mumsnet

Hilbil212001 · 2026-03-29T21:27:28+00:00

Does anyone have any tips to increase my heart rate or am I just stuck with it. My resting heart rate can often be as low as 38 - and I’m no athlete! I’ve had it checked and I have a perfectly healthy heart but I’m always quite low in energy and wondering if it’s related at all. Thank you

Justanothergeneric · 29/03/2026 22:30

I'd get your thyroid checked.

Realisation14 · 30/03/2026 12:05

My husband has the same, sinus bradycardia it's called, for some people it causes no issues for others it can cause low energy, palpitations, breathlessness, light headed, fainting. Neither is dangerous, my husband was referred and saw a cardiologist, DH does occasionally have symptoms from it and has fainted twice in the last 5 years but they weren't worried. Said when he's older he may need a pace maker but they were talking 20-30yrs in the future, he's currently 39yrs old.

Original poster

Hilbil212001 · 30/03/2026 22:29

Thanks to both of you. Thyroid has been checked and all ok. Just need to accept it I guess.

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ForNeatPombear · 31/03/2026 09:23

Hi, I've had this. You've not said how old you are, I'm early 40's and about 3 years ago my heart rate was suddenly lower and my energy levels were really low. My resting heart rate was regularly between 36 and 40. I was referred to a cardiologist for a complete check (blood tests, 24hr ecg, treadmill test, echo and cardiac mri - they were very thorough!) and I also have an implanted loop recorder to monitor it. They don't seem very concerned if I feel OK to be honest, have talked about possibly a pacemaker in the future if it becomes a problem. Mine has gradually increased again and is back around 50 and I feel more energetic. I made myself be more active - not an athlete by any means but I do more walking, jogging and some weights - and I think that has helped, I did it as I just wanted to raise my heart rate a bit and actually it seems to have kept it raised. I do think that maybe I was recovering from a virus or something as it did just come from nowhere, and has gradually improved over a few years. I'd say absolutely make sure you've had all the tests and a cardiology referral if you can get one, but if you feel well in yourself that is what they go off in my experience.

Original poster

Hilbil212001 · 31/03/2026 12:26

ForNeatPombear · 31/03/2026 09:23

Hi, I've had this. You've not said how old you are, I'm early 40's and about 3 years ago my heart rate was suddenly lower and my energy levels were really low. My resting heart rate was regularly between 36 and 40. I was referred to a cardiologist for a complete check (blood tests, 24hr ecg, treadmill test, echo and cardiac mri - they were very thorough!) and I also have an implanted loop recorder to monitor it. They don't seem very concerned if I feel OK to be honest, have talked about possibly a pacemaker in the future if it becomes a problem. Mine has gradually increased again and is back around 50 and I feel more energetic. I made myself be more active - not an athlete by any means but I do more walking, jogging and some weights - and I think that has helped, I did it as I just wanted to raise my heart rate a bit and actually it seems to have kept it raised. I do think that maybe I was recovering from a virus or something as it did just come from nowhere, and has gradually improved over a few years. I'd say absolutely make sure you've had all the tests and a cardiology referral if you can get one, but if you feel well in yourself that is what they go off in my experience.

Thank you - I’m 45. It’s always been low (mid 40s) but now it’s between 36 and 40! I’ve had all the checks the same as yourself and apparently just have a very healthy heart. I can’t help but think it makes me more tired than I should be though. I do about 10000 steps a day but not much extra exercise - might try doing a bit more.

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