Question: I have had premature/skipped heart beats for many years sometimes several a day and sometimes 1 or 2 and have been taking ramipril & metoprolol for several years and have had normal to lower blood pressure such as 118/ 76 and hrt rate usually 68-70 for years. For the last week I find my heart rate when sitting for awhile is almost always 42 and sometimes 39 - always when sitting/resting. If I get up and walk around or am physical in any way & take my readings it is usually 108/72 hrt 66 or 68.I am 78 years old and considered a young 78.
I do not smoke (for over 30 years) drink some beer on Saturdays and nothing else. I am 6'1" (used to be 6'2 1/2" and weigh 204 lbs. My background has been military airborne 52-59 and law enforcement 61 to 1995 when I retired.
What should I do, if anything , about this continued low heart rate near 40 when resting or not active?
I find this low heart rate very "scary" and do not scare easily. My brother 2 yrs older has had a pacemaker
for about 15 years and is very active at 80 yrs of age. Our mother died of heart problems at age 86.
I know the suggestion/direction has always been to go to the emergency ward but that is 25 miles away and hopefully is not really the thing to do.
Should I be worried and seek emergency help - or what is your input. XXXXXXX