Hi,I am Dr. Shanthi.E (General & Family Physician). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
My husband has Afib, in Jan he had a blood clot hit his arteries in his heart! He is recuperating well at home but the last two days his heart rate is below 48. His dr, did EKG and it s not sure to the Afib. Will see cardiologist in three days, but should I take him to the DR before then?
It's likely not due to his a-fib, as this will often cause the heart rate to be increased. Is he taking a beta blocker such as metoprolol? If so, he may be on too high of a dose, as these medications tend to bring down the heart rate. A heart below 50 in a patient with coronary artery disease may be dangerous, however I'd be hesitant to make changes to his medications without further knowledge.
I'd recommend calling your husband's doctor and letting him know about the low heart rate. Since he knows your husband well, he can likely just make a change over the phone, or tell you to come in sooner.
I hope I have answered your question. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or if you feel I haven't adequately answered your question.
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What Causes Low Heart Rate?
Hi there, It s likely not due to his a-fib, as this will often cause the heart rate to be increased. Is he taking a beta blocker such as metoprolol? If so, he may be on too high of a dose, as these medications tend to bring down the heart rate. A heart below 50 in a patient with coronary artery disease may be dangerous, however I d be hesitant to make changes to his medications without further knowledge. I d recommend calling your husband s doctor and letting him know about the low heart rate. Since he knows your husband well, he can likely just make a change over the phone, or tell you to come in sooner. I hope I have answered your question. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or if you feel I haven t adequately answered your question.