The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[mellowmom]

Lately, it seems like I'm just full of these...but better safe than sorry, right?

Has anyone experienced having a really low heartrate on MF? I'm getting a little worried and once again am receiving mixed messages from the esteemed, (or is it just "steamed") medical profession.

While lollygagging in bed this morn, I decided to take my pulse. Mostlly, because I was curious, but also I love being able to finally see my clock across the room and test it out as often as I can. Well, the clock doesn't have any second hand..it's digital, duh!...so I wound up counting for a full minute. At the end of the minute my heartrate was 42! Hmmmmmmmm, is it me, or does that sound a little tooooo low?

I literally jumped out of bed, partly in panic, and partly because I've got one of those beds that stands really tall off the ground and my feet don't reach from the edge. Didn't feel dizzy...didn't feel tired...just anxious about the number.

Went to the doc later that mornng, on totally unrelated matter, (diabetes retinal scan) and on the way out of that appointment stopped at the health office for a free BP and pulse check. Part of their SOP is to have the patient sit and rest for 10 minutes before taking the test. When they finally took it my BP was 116/65, and my heartrate had jumped up to a whopping 48!

It said, anything under 50 should go to a triage nurse!!! What??? Then the clinic advisor stated that a heartrate of 40-50 was perfectly acceptable in a highly trained athelete...and seeing as I am neither...I may have a serious problem! What??? What is happening?

Went window shopping at the outlets and after walking around for 15 minutes, got it up to 60. I know I've been having a hard time getting the BP up at Curves also. Anyone else running into this "problem"? I know about taking fast soups if I'm feeling dizzy, but I really don't feel dizzy at all..(well, okay, maybe once a week I feel a little light headed, but it only lasts for a second...) I emailed my doctor, but he's still on vacation, and I loathe having to go see yet another "fill-in" doc in his absence. Do you all think this is something I can just wait on until I see my regular doc in August? Obviously, if I start feeling woozy, or like I'm going to pass out or something I'll go directly to the emergency room... Nothing like that is happening, just those stupid "Numbers" playing games in my head.

Thanks for listening and any thoughts/comments would be appreciated.

Carmel

P.S. I am NOT a hypochondirac, honestly! (Recent prior postings to the contrary) <img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15/15_6_25.gif' border=0>

[JKSRN]

Hi Carmel, the first thing I would do is consult with the MF nurse, and see what she has to say--regarding the bradycardia(slow pulse).

Are you taking meds for blood pressure control, any beta, calcium channel blockers, etc..? Your blood pressure is great! Heart rate in the 40's very low. I would not wait until your own physician comes back. Swallow your angst and see whoever is covering for your doctor. At least, ask to speak with the covering MD on the phone to relieve your concern. You have a valid reason to be concerned. It may just mean that you need a medication adjustment if you are on meds.

I would also hold off at Curves till you get a professional answer regarding the brady.
Joan

[mellowmom]

Doc had said to cut my BP meds in half last week and I forgot to. Just bought a pill cutter at Longs and am madly chopping away as I type. ( A neat trick) I did call the MF nurse and she wasn't in today so spoke to a health advisor who jogged my memory about cutting my BP meds... so I'll try that for now.

IF BP meds can slow down heart rate, then that's probably whats doing it to me, 'cuz I never had high BP to begin with...just taking as a "preventitive medication" to spare my kidneys due to diabetes.

[Serendipity]

I'm not a doctor, or a nurse, or anything....wait! My father in law was a doctor, so that qualifies me.

The BP meds I was on did slow my heart rate. When I would do Curves, I could never get my heart rate up to the chart level, so I just stopped checking. After I got rid of the Meds, my heart rate is back up a little bit.

Edited to remove a coma, sheeeez. I've gotta chill out, lol.

[mellowmom]

Thanks, Jo.

I did cut the dose in half last night, and this morning my BP upon awakening was 56. Not sure if a change in dosage would show an effect that quickly, but, for now I'm relieved.

Carmel

P.S. Does this mean I am no longer a "finely tuned athlete"?

[Arklahoma]

Looks like you're still a finely tuned fat-burning machine!!! Glad things are better, and I can't wait for you to see your regular doc. I doubt you should be on that silly med at all.

[Ketann]

Carmel,
First, I'm glad you are doing better, second, sorry for posting this late. Hubby hogged the computer all day yesterday. Third, I had the exact same problem, and my doc cut my bp pills in half. A week later she cut it in half again. Hopefully they will soon end up in the toilet like my blood sugar pills, and feed the sewer rats. BTW, we all know you're not a hypochondirac.
I think when people start taking better care of themselves they listen more to their bodies. I know I have.

Hugs,

Keturah

[mellowmom]

Thank you all so much for the reassuring words.

Keturah, I think you're right on. As we get healthier we tend to listen to our bodies and pay attention to what it's saying. After years of denial and "lalalalalala" <---(with hands over ears), I've lost a lot of the flabbiness between my ears and I'm finally hearing the truth concerning health versus clueless denial.

Thanks again.

Carmel

[Arklahoma]

Hey Carmel ~ I have a graphic for that ...

[mellowmom]

Robin...I LOVE IT!!!!

Thanks for starting my morning off with a laugh!

[sister]

Hi Carmel,

Thought I would chime in, I haven't posted in a very long time but I am always reading.

I am not a diabetic and do not take any medications but have experienced the very low heart rate. I think twice it's been 48, otherwise mid to low 50s is common. I have lost almost 70 pounds and have about 60 to go.

My blood pressure is low sometimes too. My doctor has not been concerned because I feel ok. There are times I feel a little "funny" but if I grab a snack, it goes away. I just figure it's not heart related since food makes it go away.

I do get concerned when I notice it's in the 40s but really, it's when I first wake up and have been resting all night. My husband jokes that when I'm in a deep sleep and relaxed I must be comatose!! HAHA

For sure check with your doctor but I try to see it as my heart is finally getting a rest from working so hard for so long. It's glad I'm getting healthy!

By the way, I don't know about your meds but my mom is a diabetic and all of her meds were drastically changed after she lost around 50 pounds. There were 2 she stopped taking and 2 that were reduced. Not sure what she is on now but her doctor is very pleased.

As long as you check with your doc and are feeling great, I'd say you are doing fantastic!

[Jan]

Hmmmm
I take a beta blocker for high BP -- it's a genetic thing. My heart rate is always slow and the beta blocker keeps it from climbing. If you are taking a beta blocker be careful with exercise...your heart rate won't climb and you'll do tooo much.
When I was much younger I was visiting with my kids wonderful pediatrician. I told him my BP was quite low....he just said that low BP is indicative of a long life. Must be .. my dad's BP was always low and he lived to be 100.
jan

[mellowmom]

Thanks all for your comments. They've all been very reassuring.

Jan, I'm taking lisinopril for my diabetes, and I believe it is an ACE inhibitor. I read about some of the side effects of it online and found out that low BP is one of them. At any rate, since I cut my dosage in half, my rate seems to have picked up into the low 50's.

Thanks again

Carmel

[Amber]

Carmel-
You may not be a finely tuned athelete, but you sure have a finely tuned wit! And, may I add, a lovely new avatar-