What Is The Cause Of Low Heart Rate?

Posted on Thu, 13 Feb 2014

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

Thu, 13 Feb 2014 Answered on

Thu, 6 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I am 28 years old and had a baby a month ago. I have a history of skipped beats and palpitations. I was seen by a cardiologist during my pregnancy and had a full work-up, all of which was normal. I had several PAC and PVC, but they were all within normal limits. My question is that since having my child, my heartrate is much lower (usually 50's or 60's). While driving, I almost slid off the road and my rate dropped down very low when I was scared (into the high 40's) and it feels like a very strong beat. This has happened a few times when I am scared/anxious. It drops low, but increases back into the 60's or 70's after a minute or so. Is this normal, or should I get it checked out?

Answered by Dr. Ashish Mittal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Need to focus on noncardiac causes also Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. I appreciate your efforts for medical consultation in so much distress. Important aspects of your query are: • 28 year old male • Known case of PAC and PVC • Complaints of: anxiety, skipped beats and palpitations. Skipped heart beat or premature ventricular/atrial contractions (PVC/PAC) are among the most common arrhythmia and occur in people with and without heart disease. In some people, it can be related to stress/anxiety, too much caffeine or nicotine, or too much exercise. As you had already evaluated by cardiologist and tests are fine, then we should suspect anxiety or stress for cause of skipped heart beat. Same time control caffeine and nicotine use (if present). In drug treatment of anxiety two types of medicine used. For immediate relief of anxiety benzodiazepines group of medicines (like clonazepam) are used for short duration (due to risk of dependence). For long term relief most commonly SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like escitalopram) are used. SSRI takes around 3-4 weeks to show its effect, till that time benzodiazepines control the anxiety symptoms. All these medicines are prescription medicine and given after in person examination by psychiatrist. I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. In case of any doubt, I will be available for follow ups. Wish you good health. Regards, http://bit.ly/Dr-Ashish-Mittal

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar