What Causes Low Heart Rate?

Posted on Wed, 8 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 8 Oct 2014 Answered on

Sat, 25 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a resting heart rate in the low 50s and sometimes in the high 40s. Never goes over low 60s. Feel tired a lot. Seems especially low in the AM. I am on beta blockers. I am 79 years old and pretty active. Should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Reduce betablocker first...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your medical history and understood your concerns.

As your heart rate is as low as 50s, I advise to reduce the dosage of betablocker. If heart rate will keep staying as this low, then, should run further cardiac tests:
- ECG
- holter monitoring
- kidney function tests

to determine the cause to your low heart rate.

You should not be concerned as long as it is all due to betablocker.

Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj