<p>Maybe some of the doctors reading can answer this question. Can bradycardia in a 50- something non-athlete be benign? I am seeing a cardiologist on Thursday for the condition. After months of feeling cold and tired all the time I finally went to see the doctor. I suspected that I was hypothyroid. I told my doctor that I had noticed that my heartrate often slowed to 40 - 45 BPM. My blood work showed that my TSH and T4 levels are normal. The doctor told me that bradycardia would explain why I felt cold and tired all of the time. She ordered a 24 hour Holter (EKG) monitor exam. </p>
<p>The day that I wore the monitor I was hyper-aware of my heartrate. I noticed that my heartrate slowed ridiculously at least half a dozen times that day. The doctor called me today about the results of the exam. She informed me that she wants me to see a cardiologist within the next two weeks. (The fact that she feels this is urgent concerns me.) I made an appointment for this Thursday. I have read everything I can find on the web about bradycardia. I have no history of heart disease. My overall cholesterol level is low and my HDL level is a happy 66. I am very nervous about seeing a heart specialist. Part of me says that there’s probably nothing wrong and I’m worried for nothing. Of course the other part is scared that I’m going to be told that there is something really wrong and that I’ll have to have a pace maker. </p>
<p>I don’t know if the following is significant: my doctor thinks that I have myofascial pain syndrome (a type of fibromyalgia) and put me on Cymbalta 3 weeks ago. I am sleeping better and have more energy now. </p>
<p>Have any of you had any experience with bradycardia?</p>
<p>I am an EMT and transport patients with heart rate issues on a fairly regular basis. 45 isn’t too low, but it very concerning in a 50 year old non athelete. The reason your doctor would like you to see a cardiologist immediately is because they are erring on the side of caution as an onset of bradycardia can occur rapidly. I suggest you don’t worry for now and see what the cardiologist has to say. Out of interest, are you planning to have an echocardiogram?</p>
<p>I am an RN with 25 plus years of ICU and ER nursing. Bradycardia is relatively benign unless you are symptomatic. Also, the cardiologist will detemine what type of bradycardia it is. Bradycardia comes in different forms and some require treatment, while others do not. Pacemakers are reserved for people who have severe symptoms associated with complicated bradycardia(heart blocks).
In the litiginous society that we live in, doctors are very cautious and will refer pt’s to a specialist for anything not in their domain. I would not worry so much. If you are feeling good that is a good indicator that things are ok.<br>
My suggestions and thoughts are in no way meant to replace a doctors advice or treatment.</p>
<p>Rushdelts,
Thank you for your reply. I am trying not to worry. I realized the day I was wearing the Holter monitor that I had been feeling a very slow, forceful heartbeat as far back as four years ago. I had a very painful upper back injury that had me lying on a heating pad every day. I had noticed that usually within 10 minutes after using heat I’d feel my heart pounding very slowly. Other than the fact that I can feel my heart beating slowly, I don’t notice any symptoms. I don’t have any pain, I don’t feel light-headed, and I don’t feel short of breath.</p>
<p>As far as the echocardiogram goes, I don’t know. I’ll be having whatever tests the cardiologist recommends.</p>
<p>Milkandsugar,</p>
<p>Thanks for your advice. I’m trying to take the fact that I don’t feel any symptoms when I experience the bradycardia as a sign that I’m probably OK.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>dancersmom - excellent timing for this thread. Just this morning, I received a phone call regarding a routine test I had done a couple of weeks ago, and was told I need to follow up with a more thorough test. However, there was nothing ‘urgent’ about it, and they didn’t schedule me until next week. That alone told me that they are not too worried about any serious diagnosis, but they are covering their butts. And of course I went on-line to see what this all meant, and it is highly likely that it is nothing, but my mind went into overdrive anyway. I’ve spent most of the day trying to convince myself it’s nothing, but it’s just hard not to worry. However, I’m trying to look at it as ‘practice’ for the future. As we get older, there will be lots of little things that come up, and if we overreact everytime we have to follow up with someone after a routine test, we’ll kill ourselves from the stress! So I’m trying to use this as a learning experience. But I’ll see how long this self-talk works out for me. :eek:</p>