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What Causes Heart Rate Below 60?

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Posted on Mon, 14 Apr 2014
Question: i am 72 years old with a history of heart attack, bypass and stents. my normal heart rate is 55 to 65 but goes below 40 while sleeping. any suggestions
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Answered by Dr. Guru (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Refer below Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for consulting HealthcareMagic! Heart rate below 60 is termed Bradycardia (below normal heart rate). A rate below 40 is bothersome. Physical examination is mandatory to assess the cause there are variety of other causes that needs to be ruled out and since the quality of heart rate gives a hint of diagnosis. Main causes in your case may include damage to heart tissue due to aging or previous heart surgery or heart disease itself, due to high blood pressure, hypothyroidism etc You need an EKG done as early as possible which may give further idea of the reason and severity but other investigations like 2D echo, holter moniotering are needed to assess the specific cause and management plan. Cardiologist consult is needed. Hope I have answered your query. If you are satisfied, you may now close the discussion and rate the answer. If you like my answers and wish me to answer in future, bring it to my attention: Dr Vasanth. Url link is as follows: http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-vasanth/66057 Wish you good health!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Guru

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 589 Questions

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What Causes Heart Rate Below 60?

Brief Answer: Refer below Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for consulting HealthcareMagic! Heart rate below 60 is termed Bradycardia (below normal heart rate). A rate below 40 is bothersome. Physical examination is mandatory to assess the cause there are variety of other causes that needs to be ruled out and since the quality of heart rate gives a hint of diagnosis. Main causes in your case may include damage to heart tissue due to aging or previous heart surgery or heart disease itself, due to high blood pressure, hypothyroidism etc You need an EKG done as early as possible which may give further idea of the reason and severity but other investigations like 2D echo, holter moniotering are needed to assess the specific cause and management plan. Cardiologist consult is needed. Hope I have answered your query. If you are satisfied, you may now close the discussion and rate the answer. If you like my answers and wish me to answer in future, bring it to my attention: Dr Vasanth. Url link is as follows: http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-vasanth/66057 Wish you good health!