PULSE RATE (Am I at Deaths Door)

[Gazhacks]

I would like to know if any other peeps suffer from low pulse rates while sleeping? Sinse I have started monitoring my pulse while sleeping it seems to get lower and lower. Ive read that a "NORMAL" what ever one of those is, person will have a pulse rate between 60-100. My rate starts around 55- 60 and through the sleep it gets lower and lower down to yesterdays which was around 38, even the peaks after a while dont even rise to 60, Should I contact my clinic or am I just well laid back?

[RandyJ]

A "normal" heart rate while awake is 60-90 bpm. A sleeping heart rate should normally be 10% below the waking number. If you are concerned that you are too low, and don't have any doubts about the accuracy of your monitor, you should talk to you doctor.

However, if you feel fine upon awakening and are not experiencing dizziness when you get up from your bed, the monitor may not be accurate. Or you may just be experiencing a heart rate that is normal for you and not indicative of a problem.

[jamiswolf]

Hi Gazhacks,
Each of us is an individual with different backgrounds and health histories. If you were a 35 YO marathoner, then I probably wouldn't worry. But if you're overweight, 70 yo and with a cardiac history...then I'd say see your Doc immediately.

The ventricles have a very slow intrinsic rate...but it's usually the nodes in the atrium that initiate heart rate. Heart block...a condition where electrical signals don't travel from the atria to the ventricles causes very slow heart rates. There are just too many variables to express much of an opinion here. Is the rate regular? Do you have any chest pain? Is your resting daytime rate slow also? Get my drift here?

I think a heart rate dipping into the 30s is something that should be checked out...
Jamis

[Mary Z]

If my pulse rate was getting in and staying in the 30's for very long I would certainly see my physician. If it just occasionally dips down that low I would be certain to monitor it- keeps dates and such- and still talk to my doc on the nexxt visit. If you're having any symptoms of bradycardia like dizziness, weakness, or passing out go to the ER.

[Gazhacks]

I dont know whats going on? Should I call my clinic also how can I check that my oximeter is correct

[cpaptex]

If you are on a Beta Blocker for High Blood Pressure your Heart Rate can be in the 30's while at rest. If you are an Athlete you might have one in the low 40's. I'm not aware of any reason of 30's for "normal" people. Other Meds can also effect your Heart Rate.

[jamiswolf]

Gazhacks,
You need to answer some of the questions asked of you if you want an educated opinion. How old are you? Health status? Meds? etc

Gazhacks wrote: also how can I check that my oximeter is correct

To double check pulse Ox accuracy, just do some spot checks comparing your pulse ox reading to your actual counted pulse. Use the radial artery in your wrist and count for 60 seconds.
James

[HoseCrusher]

I think we all are knocking at deaths door... However, death may not answer for another 30 - 50 years.

You should periodically check the accuracy of the equipment you use. I have a doctor check my pulse oximeter about every 4 months. If you find that yours is off, send it back and get another one. The quality control is reasonable on these, but not perfect.

My perspective is that your heart rate is in the lower end of the normal range.

[kteague]

Agreed, there is not much history here. Just saying, when my mother's pulse was 35, it was an emergency situation. Since your doctor knows your variables, I would at least call them and tell them what you've told us. I personally wouldn't accept a pulse in the 30s as normal unless the doctor could give me an explanation that could be substantiated by medical literature. I wouldn't want my symptoms to be blown off or just explained away. Maybe your doc could order a trial on another oximeter for comparison. If you got your machine from a local DME, maybe they could provide a loaner. Do let us know what comes of this. Hopefully it will be much ado about nothing.
Kathy

[squid13]

I think we all are knocking at deaths door... However, death may not answer for another 30 - 50 years.

Sure hope that's true, cause it would make me anywhere from 104 to124 years old before I kick the bucket.

[LSAT]

SEE YOUR DOCTOR
SEE YOUR DOCTOR
SEE YOUR DOCTOR
SEE YOUR DOCTOR

My normal resting pulse rate is about 65-68....One night I kept my oximeter next to my bed and when I woke at about 5AM I checked my pulse and it was 55.

[Gazhacks]

Sorry guys and gals Im 46 no meds no other problems a couple of stone overweight and for the past 3 months Ive being going to the gym 4 times a week running, I also do this on my weekends off.



but I still wouldnt class myself as super fit which states that a low pulse rate (40+) is for super athletes. Im just your average Englishman. I will take to my doc and do a manual check on my equipment, its just that you read things like chest pains which I get alot and have had checked ECG but all clear. Need to relax more but not too much or my pulse will be in my boots. Thanks for the advise

[squid13]

Gazhacks nice picture but watch that first step.

[jamiswolf]

Hi Gazhacks,
Sounds like you have a fairly active lifestyle. But you say you have chest pain regularly. That and the low pulse certainly should warrant a cardiac workup. An ECG is good for some things but certainly isn't complete. 46 puts you in cardiac risk age.

People in your situation, active and not too old can get overlooked fairly easily. So make a little noise and see about getting your heart checked out...at the very least, a cardiac echogram. Might be negative which is fine...then you don't have to worry.
Jamis

[Bluecat]

I concur it is very difficult to give you advice... It could also be normal, or not!

I have a very low pulse rate (around 50) during the day.
At night, from my oximetry reports, I have an average pulse around 35-40.

I have no cardiac problems: as part of the renewal of my professional pilot medical following the discovery of my sleep apnea, I was sent to a cardiologist just in case. I did a cardiac stress test. Following this, the cardiologist declared that he wouldn't be getting rich with me and that my heart was perfectly healthy.

On the other hand, my boss's special friend also had a very low heart rate and he ended up having to have a pacemaker and he is only 40.

The only way of knowing is probably having to see a doctor... just in case!