Someone explain why my heartbeat is SO. SLOW.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the topic of low heart rates, specifically concerning an individual whose heartbeat typically ranges from 40-50 bpm. Participants explore various aspects of heart rate, including personal experiences, potential health implications, and the influence of factors such as asthma and fitness levels.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports a resting heart rate of 40-50 bpm and expresses curiosity about its implications, noting a family history of slow heart rates.
  • Another participant suggests consulting a doctor for concerns about low heart rates.
  • Some participants mention that a normal resting heart rate for adults typically ranges from 60 to 100 bpm, with well-trained athletes possibly having lower rates.
  • A participant shares their experience of having a heart monitor due to past heart pain, indicating a history of heart issues that may relate to their current concerns.
  • There are discussions about the effects of asthma on exercise capacity and heart rate response during physical activity.
  • Some participants humorously comment on the situation, while others express concern about the implications of low heart rates.
  • One participant mentions that certain medications, like antihistamines, can lower heart rates and shares a personal experience related to this.
  • Another participant recounts a negative experience with medical professionals, suggesting that some may not follow best practices in diagnosing conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the implications of low heart rates, with some suggesting medical consultation while others share personal anecdotes that may contradict or complicate the concerns raised. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the health implications of low heart rates and the adequacy of medical responses.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the reliance on personal anecdotes and experiences, which may not represent broader medical knowledge or practices. There are also unresolved questions about the significance of symptoms like dizziness and fatigue in relation to heart rate.

  • #31
stevenb said:
My best hope is that the doctor learned his lesson and made some changes. I can't even describe the panic in his voice and the look of terror on his face. I think, for legal reasons, he couldn't actually say an apology and admit to the mistakes, but he conveyed that message nonverbally. That was enough to let me sleep at night, ... barely.

I see your point. Nevertheless, it would be worthwhile IMO to check with the state medical board to see if any complaints have been lodged against this practitioner. It still may not be too late to lodge a complaint of your own if he has had other significant complaints lodged against him..
 
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  • #32
:frown:

That's awful. I can't believe that somebody would do something like that.
Stupid doctors. It seems like a lot of them don't care about you until they have to save their ***.
 
  • #33
Sometimes low rates of heartbeats can be caused by dehydration (thickening of the blood). High hemocrit levels are not safe.

Another possibility is a low metabolism.

Of course it's also possible that the heart is just more efficient than most (one does not need to be athletic to have a good heart).
 
  • #34
My heart rate is 44 bpm right now. I did heavy exercise this afternoon: 30 minutes of fast running. And I just did some arm and leg muscle exercises.
 
  • #35
Xnn said:
Sometimes low rates of heartbeats can be caused by dehydration (thickening of the blood). High hemocrit levels are not safe.

Well, that could be part of it, actually. I am somewhat chronically dehydrated.

I doubt it's low metabolism. I don't really do much to exercise, I eat decently, and yet I'm still slender. :-p
 

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