Low Heart Rate Chest Pain

Restoring A Normal Heart Rhythm

There are a number of drugs that can be used to try to restore a normal heart. The best option for you will be decided by your cardiologist and /or GP.

Commonly, these drugs include:

Dronedarone may also be used for certain people.

It is important you know what side effects to look out for if taking such medication and seek medical advice if you experience any of them.

To find out about side effects, read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine for more details.

How Do I Know If My Chest Pain Is Serious

You may not be able to tell the difference between a heart attack and noncardiac chest pain. For this reason, you should always take chest pain seriously. If it is sudden or new and lasts longer than five minutes, go to the emergency room. If it goes away after a few minutes, it may not be an emergency, but you should still see your healthcare provider as soon as possible to determine the cause. Noncardiac chest pain, whatever the cause, can always occur again, and can end up affecting your quality of life.

Treatment Of Low Heart Rate

In patients with confirmed or suspected slow heart rate, the underlying possible causes such as those outlined above need to be evaluated carefully. Its especially important to review the medication list carefully and stop any potentially offending agents. Blood tests such as thyroid function studies may be performed.

An EKG is performed to see if there is just a slow heart rate or any evidence of heart block. Sometimes a monitor is worn to see the heart rate over time. Some people with a slow heart rate are unable to get their heart rate up with exercise known as chronotropic incompetence this can be diagnosed with exercise testing. An echocardiogram may be performed to evaluate the heart structure and function.

What we do with a slow heart rate really depends on how bad the symptoms are. Its key to make sure the symptoms are related to the slow heart rate and that possible causes are identified and treated. The main indication for a patient without symptoms to get a pacemaker would be advanced heart block, long pauses in the heartbeat or rhythms that have the potential to lead to instability.

In patients that are symptomatic, and in whom underlying reversible causes have been ruled out, insertion of a pacemaker may be required. The choice of pacemaker for those with a low heart rate is different in different people and depends upon the level of block in the heart.

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Slow Heart Rate And Chest Pains Should I Be Concerned

Terry93

So iv been having some strange things going on in my body the last month or so and I’m wondering if anyone can give me some incite on what might be going on.

The last two weeks have been the worst as far as me worrying about what might be wrong with me,

I have been experiencing chest pain mostly on the left side with a strange feeling that my heart is bound by something , I’v also noticed that my resting heart rate drops to low 50’s and iv had a few palpitations.

The last 3 nights every time I’m about to fall asleep it feels like my heart stops or i stop breathing and i jolt awake and cant get back to sleep for hours.

I will add iv also lost weight since feeling unwell and iv noticed my fingernail beds are much more red than i remember.

feeling unwell and having all these symptoms has caused my stress and anxiety levels to increase so I’m in a situation where I cant figure out if the symptoms are something serious or something brought on with high levels of anxiety.

I’m a 24yo male and one last side note, I just got over a pretty bad flu and some sort of infection right after, not sure if that might be of interest regarding my symptoms.

• Posted 4 years ago

  I plan to try and see a doctor tomorrow or at least talk to one on the phone.

Posted 4 years ago

I don’t have a family doctor i usually see a different GP almost every time i go in.

Palpitations Of The Heart

Palpitations are a sensation or awareness of your heart beating. They may feel like your heart is racing, thumping or skipping beats. Almost everyone has had palpitations at some time in their life. They are usually associated with an abnormal heart rhythm .

Palpitations may have no obvious cause, but can be triggered by:

• physical activity
• illicit substances.

An occasional palpitation that does not affect your general health is not usually something to worry about. However, see your doctor if you have more frequent or consistent palpitations, which may be associated with a serious arrhythmia.

Read Also: Is 116 Heart Rate High

Is Bradycardia An Arrhythmia

Bradycardia is an arrhythmia because it is slower than the typical rate. The normal heart rate range for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

Sinus rhythm is when your heart is beating regularly and normally. Sinus bradycardia means that your heart is beating regularly, but slower than normal. Sinus bradycardia is usually a benign arrhythmia . That means while it’s slower than expected, it also isn’t harmful.

While bradycardia is a medical condition on its own, it often happens along with or because of other conditions. In those cases, bradycardia is often treated more like a symptom than a separate condition.

When A Slow Heart Rate Is Normal

The sinoatrial node is often referred to as “the heart’s natural pacemaker.” It’s the part of the heart that produces electrical signals that trigger each heartbeat.

At rest, the sinus node typically generates electrical impulses for a heart rate between 60 and 100 times per minute, which is a normal sinus rhythm.

Sinus bradycardia is a heart rate between 50 to 60 beats per minute. While technically outside of the normal range, these values can be entirely normal for some people. A healthy body is very good at regulating the heart rate to support the bodys functions.

Physiological bradycardia is a form of sinus bradycardia. Among people who have itincluding healthy young people and older people in good physical conditiontheir resting heart rate may hover in the 40s or 50s. People also have lower heart rates when sleeping.

Slow heart rates without symptoms usually are no cause for concern. However, when the heart rate becomes too slow to pump enough blood, it needs treatment. Sinus bradycardia that produces symptoms is a sign you should seek medical care.

Recommended Reading: What Should Heart Rate Be When Sleeping

Palpitations And Slow Heart Rate

• Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Reviewed on 6/13/2022

Palpitations or changes in the heart rate can be a result of heart rhythm disorders, known as arrhythmias. A slowed heart rate can also be a sign of medication or drug use. Pay attention to all your symptoms and when they occur. Discuss any concerning symptoms with your doctor.

While the list below can be considered as a guide to educate yourself about these conditions, this is not a substitute for a diagnosis from a health care provider. There are many other medical conditions that also can be associated with your symptoms and signs. Here are a number of those from MedicineNet:

Is It Any Of The Above Is It At Least Two

Q: How many of the factors above can a patient have and still be considered safe?

A: I think if you have any of the above and you have chest pain, then its concerning and with each additional factor that you also have, that increases your pre-test probabilityI am sure theres literature out there about how much, maybe one of the Framingham heart studies would categorize people better. I dont know the exact number off the top of my head but that would be a place to look because they identified risk factors for coronary risk factors in general. They did a good job at explaining and quantifying how much each additional risk factor adds to people.

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Other Heart Electrical Issues

If the heart is unable to send electrical signals due to a blockage or heart disease, this can lead to bradycardia.

Complete heart block is when there is a total loss of communication between a persons atria and the ventricles. This occurs when the SA node is unable to pass a signal to the AV node.

Complete heart block results in a persons atria and ventricles activating independently of each other. If a person does not receive treatment for complete heart block quickly, it can be fatal.

Read Also: What Is A Silent Heart Attack

When Should You Worry About Your Heart Health Post

For those who had COVID-19, lingering heart problems can complicate their recovery. UAB experts address common concerns that people have with their heart health after COVID-19. Although most people with COVID-19 fully recover within days or weeks of infection, some suffer from post-COVID symptoms long after. According to the American Heart Association, a growing number of studies suggest many COVID-19 survivors experience some type of heart damage after their diagnosis of COVID, including dizziness, accelerated heart rate, chest pain, shortness of breath, brain fog and fatigue.

Gilbert Perry, M.D., professor of medicine in the University of Alabama at Birminghams Division of Cardiovascular Disease and cardiologist in the UAB Cardiovascular Institute, provides insight on when these symptoms should become a concern and how they should be addressed.

Is there anything that can help alleviate muscle fatigue and heaviness during exercise?

Muscle aches are a very common symptom after COVID-19. A wide variety of problems can cause muscle aches and fatigue, including prolonged bed rest, inactivity and severe inflammation during the early stages of COVID-19.

Your doctor can do bloodwork to determine if there is ongoing, active muscle breakdown, Perry said. Physical rehabilitation and regular exercise can help rebuild muscle loss and improve exercise capacity.

Is it normal to have an accelerated heartrate and chest pain, even if your cardiac MRI was normal?

Also Check: How Do Veins Return Blood To The Heart

When I See A Patient With A Low Heart Rate I Ask Myself The Following

Is the low heart rate a physiologic finding or a pathologic finding? An example of a physiologic low heart rate would be an athlete with a low resting heart rate from being trained, which is absolutely fine. An example of a pathologic heart rate would be a disorder of the internal pacemaker system of the heart such as heart block that would often need a pacemaker inserted as treatment.

Is the low heart rate the likely cause of symptoms? Symptoms of a low heart rate may include dizziness and fatigue. In order to be attributed to a low heart rate the symptoms should occur at the same time the heart rate is low.

Are there any reversible causes for the low heart rate? Medicines such as beta-blockers or disorders such as hypothyroidism may lead to low heart rate and if the heart rate is dangerously low and causing symptoms as a result of this, stopping the medication or treating the underlying conditions will likely reverse the symptoms.

Recurring Shortness Of Breath With Or Without Exertion

Shortness of breath, which is also called dyspnea, is a heart disease symptom that can be easily overlooked.

For one, shortness of breath can occur without other symptoms like chest pain, particularly in women. In addition, shortness of breath can feel different for everyone and happens under different circumstances, so you may find it hard to describe. For example, shortness of breath can take the form of:

• A cough that doesnt go away
• Constantly feeling winded during regular activities
• Not being able to catch your breath whether youre at rest or doing an activity
• Tightness in your chest
• Breathlessness when you lay down that improves when you sit up

From an easily managed condition to more serious cardiovascular issues like heart disease or arrhythmia, addressing breathing issues earlier may give you more treatment options, quicker relief and help prevent future problems.

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Low Heart Rate And Chest Pain

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Symptoms Of Atrial Fibrillation

The most obvious symptom of atrial fibrillation is palpitations caused by a fast and irregular heartbeat.

A normal heart rate, when you are resting, should be between 60 and 100 beats a minute. In atrial fibrillation, it may be over 140 beats a minute.

If you notice an irregular heartbeat and/or have chest pain, see your doctor immediately.

Also Check: Why Do I Get Heart Palpitations Before My Period

When To Worry About A Low Heart Rate

When a drop in your heart rate is natural and harmless, it doesnt cause any symptoms. But if you also have one of the following symptoms, it could be a sign that something else is going on:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Palpitations or a sensation of skipped heartbeats

• A new difficulty in your ability to exercise or exert yourself

• Excessive fatigue

But more concerning bradycardia doesnt always cause symptoms. Even if you dont have any symptoms, its a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider if you have new bradycardia and one of the following conditions:

• Age over 50 years old

• A history of electrolyte abnormalities

• Thyroid problems

• A heart rate below 40 beats per minute

There are some simple and easy tests that your provider can do to figure out if your heart rate is a problem. These can include an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram , or blood tests if your provider suspects a thyroid or electrolyte problem. Your provider may also recommend you wear a small heart monitor for a few days, which can monitor your heart beat 24/7.

How Is Noncardiac Chest Pain Diagnosed

If you experience chest pain that resembles cardiac chest pain, you should go to the emergency room. On arrival, you’ll receive a complete physical exam that measures all of your vital signs, including blood pressure and heart rate. Then youll be screened for heart attack or heart disease. Tests include an electrocardiogram a noninvasive test that records your hearts electrical activity and blood tests. Your heart releases certain proteins when a heart attack occurs that will show up in a blood test. Only when cardiac factors have been ruled out will you be diagnosed with noncardiac chest pain.

Once a cardiologist or your primary care provider has ruled out cardiac causes, youll likely be referred to a gastroenterologist next. Theyll test you for esophagus-based causes, starting with GERD. One way of testing is to send you home with a proton-pump inhibitor , a highly effective medicine for GERD. If the PPI relieves your symptoms, it can also confirm their cause. Other tests may include a PH study of the esophagus, an esophageal motility test, an upper endoscopy or ultrasound. In addition to physical tests, your healthcare provider will take a medical history and ask about your stress and emotional factors.

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Medicines To Control Atrial Fibrillation

Medicines called anti-arrhythmics can control atrial fibrillation by:

• restoring a normal heart rhythm
• controlling the rate at which the heart beats

The choice of anti-arrhythmic medicine depends on:

• the type of atrial fibrillation
• any other medical conditions you have
• side effects of the medicine chosen
• how well the atrial fibrillation responds.

Some people with atrial fibrillation may need more than one anti-arrhythmic medicine to control it.

Do People With Noncardiac Chest Pain Have Other Symptoms

People with noncardiac chest pain commonly have other symptoms of GERD, including heartburn and acid reflux. They also report a higher incidence of other gastrointestinal complaints, including sore throat, regurgitation and difficulty swallowing. Up to 80% of those with functional noncardiac chest pain report other functional GI disorders with no obvious explanation, especially IBS and functional abdominal bloating .

For some people, noncardiac chest pain is associated with psychological symptoms, such as stress, anxiety and depression. This is true even when the cause is determined to be something else. In fact, there is a significant crossover between psychological symptoms and symptoms of esophageal hypersensitivity, as well as heartburn. Psychological stress can trigger gastrointestinal symptoms, and vice versa. Doctors have speculated that this is due to a disorder of the gut-brain connection.

Recommended Reading: How To Stop Heart Palpitations Due To Anxiety

How To Ease A Panic Attack

Panic disorder is a mental health problem that can be treated. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. If its an ongoing problem, there are some medications that might help.

In order to ease a panic attack, you might find it helpful to:

• practice stress management and relaxation techniques
• join a support group

• a burning sensation in your upper abdomen and chest
• sour or metallic taste in your mouth
• stomach contents flowing up to the back of your throat

Heartburn generally happens fairly soon after youve eaten. It can also happen when you lie down within a few hours of eating. It can even wake you from a sound sleep.

Acid reflux can sometimes progress to a more severe form called gastroesophageal reflux disease . The main symptom of GERD is frequent heartburn. In addition to chest pain, GERD can also cause coughing, wheezing, and trouble swallowing.