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Have Urine Infection And Feeling Tired. ECG Done And Found Low Pulse Rate. Safe To Travel By Air?
Question: I have just been to a GP for a urine infection. I also told him I was very tired. He took my BP and said my pulse was slow 47. I then had an ECG and this confirmed a slow pulse. I am worried as I fly to China for a short holiday in one weeks time. He said he would send me to a Heart doctor when I return. Do you think it is safe to go
Hello XXXXXXX
Thank you for your health query.
I am Dr. Aarti Abraham ( MS - Ob Gyn ) and I would love to guide you on your question.
Firstly, as you mentioned about your urine infection, kindly get a urine analysis and urine culture done. If already done , kindly attach the reports so I can go through them
Any kind of systemic infection etc. can cause fatigue and tiredness. So , maybe hormonal changes further cause fatigue and tiredness. You should consult a gynecologist for appropriate supplements to help you feel better.
Regarding your pulse = 47, it is called Bradycardia in the context of adult medicine. It is the resting heart rate of under 60 beats per minute, though it is seldom symptomatic until the rate drops below 50 beats/min.
Trained athletes or young healthy individuals may also have a slow resting heart rate Resting bradycardia is often considered normal if you have no other symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, chest discomfort, palpitations or shortness of breath associated with it.
Most common causes of bradycardia are cardiac causes, and you need a complete cardiac evaluation for it.
Noncardiac causes are usually secondary, and can involve recreational drug use or abuse; metabolic or endocrine issues, especially in the thyroid; an electrolyte imbalance; neurologic factors; autonomic reflexes; situational factors such as prolonged bed rest; and autoimmunity.
If you are not symptomatic, you need no further medication, provided your cardiac evaluation is normal.
However, before your intended long distance travel, I urge you to undergo the following :
1. Urine analysis and culture as indicated.
2. Complete cardiac evaluation by a cardiologist preferably.
3. Thyroid hormone evaluation
4. Complete blood count, electrolytes, renal and liver function tests.
5. A gynecological examination to evaluate your menopausal state, and for taking adequate supplements if indicated for your fatigue and general well being.
A regular fitness regimen and a balanced diet is completely essential.
You could try yoga /recreational techniques also.
Regarding your specific question, this is the first time you have found out about your bradycardia.
Also you are 53, and are travelling to a great distance, and am sure, you would not be very assured about the medical aid there, compared to your native place. Hence, without consulting a cardiologist, I find it relatively risky to undertake the travel. Please request for a consultation before you leave.
In absence of any significant findings , you can plan your travel without worry.
Please take care and feel free to ask for further clarifications.
Thank you for your health query.
I am Dr. Aarti Abraham ( MS - Ob Gyn ) and I would love to guide you on your question.
Firstly, as you mentioned about your urine infection, kindly get a urine analysis and urine culture done. If already done , kindly attach the reports so I can go through them
Any kind of systemic infection etc. can cause fatigue and tiredness. So , maybe hormonal changes further cause fatigue and tiredness. You should consult a gynecologist for appropriate supplements to help you feel better.
Regarding your pulse = 47, it is called Bradycardia in the context of adult medicine. It is the resting heart rate of under 60 beats per minute, though it is seldom symptomatic until the rate drops below 50 beats/min.
Trained athletes or young healthy individuals may also have a slow resting heart rate Resting bradycardia is often considered normal if you have no other symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, chest discomfort, palpitations or shortness of breath associated with it.
Most common causes of bradycardia are cardiac causes, and you need a complete cardiac evaluation for it.
Noncardiac causes are usually secondary, and can involve recreational drug use or abuse; metabolic or endocrine issues, especially in the thyroid; an electrolyte imbalance; neurologic factors; autonomic reflexes; situational factors such as prolonged bed rest; and autoimmunity.
If you are not symptomatic, you need no further medication, provided your cardiac evaluation is normal.
However, before your intended long distance travel, I urge you to undergo the following :
1. Urine analysis and culture as indicated.
2. Complete cardiac evaluation by a cardiologist preferably.
3. Thyroid hormone evaluation
4. Complete blood count, electrolytes, renal and liver function tests.
5. A gynecological examination to evaluate your menopausal state, and for taking adequate supplements if indicated for your fatigue and general well being.
A regular fitness regimen and a balanced diet is completely essential.
You could try yoga /recreational techniques also.
Regarding your specific question, this is the first time you have found out about your bradycardia.
Also you are 53, and are travelling to a great distance, and am sure, you would not be very assured about the medical aid there, compared to your native place. Hence, without consulting a cardiologist, I find it relatively risky to undertake the travel. Please request for a consultation before you leave.
In absence of any significant findings , you can plan your travel without worry.
Please take care and feel free to ask for further clarifications.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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