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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Low Heart Rate?

Hello.I'm 51 years old.10 days ago I went to the ER coplaining about lightheadness. After taking my EKG and finding ourt my heart rate being at 40s they admitted me in CCU. gave me a shot to bring up my heart rate and after monitoring me for two days discharged me. I went to follow up with my primery doctor and again after using EKG in his office and reading of 43 rate he sent me back to the hospital. my rate went back up tp 60 plus. They gave a lifewatch device to monitor me for next two weeks. For no they ruled ou the pacemaker, but I still fill lightheaded from time to time. while testing me at the hospital they noticed my trygolistried being at 320 and mu thyroid beig at 5.7. Any advise for me.Can they first try to cure this with medication?

Thanks
Mon, 25 Aug 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,

The normal heart rate is usually above 60. If you are a person who does heavy manual work or a sportsperson it can be lower usually in the 50s. Another reason for a slow heart is hypothyroidism. Your TSH value of 5.7 shows that you probably have mild hypothyroidism. I would like to know if the EKG showed any abnormality other than the low heart rate. If you know how to check your pulse, you could check it after a brisk walk and if it comes up then you probably have nothing to worry.
If you ever feel giddy and fall down or become unconscious for a brief period ( syncope) you would require a pacemaker. Wait optimistically for result for the Lifewatch monitoring result. If it shows a heart block you would require a pace maker.
If you were my patient I would put you on a small dose of Levothyroxine and see how you fare. However your doctor is the best judge of the situation and follow his/her advice. Avoid alcohol if you use it and also treat the triglycerides. I presume your blood sugar and blood pressure are normal.
Hope you get well soon.
I shall be happy to answer if you have any further queries.
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What Causes Low Heart Rate?

Hello, The normal heart rate is usually above 60. If you are a person who does heavy manual work or a sportsperson it can be lower usually in the 50s. Another reason for a slow heart is hypothyroidism. Your TSH value of 5.7 shows that you probably have mild hypothyroidism. I would like to know if the EKG showed any abnormality other than the low heart rate. If you know how to check your pulse, you could check it after a brisk walk and if it comes up then you probably have nothing to worry. If you ever feel giddy and fall down or become unconscious for a brief period ( syncope) you would require a pacemaker. Wait optimistically for result for the Lifewatch monitoring result. If it shows a heart block you would require a pace maker. If you were my patient I would put you on a small dose of Levothyroxine and see how you fare. However your doctor is the best judge of the situation and follow his/her advice. Avoid alcohol if you use it and also treat the triglycerides. I presume your blood sugar and blood pressure are normal. Hope you get well soon. I shall be happy to answer if you have any further queries.