HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Low Heartrate?

default
Posted on Mon, 14 Apr 2014
Question: i am 72 with heart history of heart attack in1994 and bypass operation in 1995. between 1995 and 2010 i have had 5 stents. my normal heart rate is 55 to 65 but goes as low as 30 while sleeping. would appreciate your advice.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (2 hours later)
Brief Answer: check K Detailed Answer: Hi there I am Dr Saumya Mittal, MD I am going to try and answer your query. First and foremost, a variation in heart rate between in sleep and wake duration is known. It is natural for people to have the change in blood pressure and pulse. However, even the resting levels are too low. In fact normal heart rate should be above 60. I can think of 1 important possibility from your query. The medicines you are taking may be increasing the potassium content of the body. this is a condition known as hyperkalemia. One of the effects of increased potassium in the body is decreased heart rate. I will therefore suggest you check the potassium levels in the serum. If they are high, a few medicines will need to be changed. I hope that answers your query For any further related query, please feel free to contact again Dr Saumya Mittal
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Saumya Mittal

Diabetologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2897 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Low Heartrate?

Brief Answer: check K Detailed Answer: Hi there I am Dr Saumya Mittal, MD I am going to try and answer your query. First and foremost, a variation in heart rate between in sleep and wake duration is known. It is natural for people to have the change in blood pressure and pulse. However, even the resting levels are too low. In fact normal heart rate should be above 60. I can think of 1 important possibility from your query. The medicines you are taking may be increasing the potassium content of the body. this is a condition known as hyperkalemia. One of the effects of increased potassium in the body is decreased heart rate. I will therefore suggest you check the potassium levels in the serum. If they are high, a few medicines will need to be changed. I hope that answers your query For any further related query, please feel free to contact again Dr Saumya Mittal