HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Heart rate

Support Forums
>
Crohn's Disease
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 11/10/2011 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
My heart rate has been dropping below 60 , leaving me feeling like crap . One of my new meds is suppose to lower heart rate but I don't take it because its too low in the first place . I have a call in to my doc but I don't expect too much of an answer . I have been trying to walk like I was told to do but that's tough when your short of breath . What are you suppose to do when you get conflicting instructions ? They say , I wan't you too work up to walking thirty minutes per day , but don't over do it . If you get short of breath , stop . Duuuuuuh . Wheres the nearest glue factory . This old horse is almost ready to be bottled .
Posted 11/10/2011 3:03 PM (GMT 0)
Sniper this worries me. Is the low heart rate due to muscle damage from your last heart attack?

My father-in-law died of cardiac arrest after having rhythm problems for several months. He had to be shocked into a sinus rhythm a couple of times and told my husband "well, if I have to do that again I guess I'll get a pacemaker." Unfortunately the next time it happened he was not able to get to the ER and he had no heartbeat for several minutes. That was the end for him, so sad for everyone.

Push on your cardiologist to understand what the plan is and how the DR expects you to be responding. Push hard, Sniper.
Posted 11/10/2011 3:16 PM (GMT 0)
I think that's a good idea, to look into a pace-maker, Sniper. Has your cardiologist mentioned this?
My MIL used to get super fast hb, then years later, super slow, so they put in a pacemaker and she hasn't had a problem in years now.
Don't let this go on please. Call your doc.
Posted 11/10/2011 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
I think the low heart rate is due to the damage from the heart attack . I was told this would either heal or not heal in about six weeks . I am thinking if it does not heal , I will have to work on strengthening the heart that is not damaged . It is a muscle after all . I was told to take my heart rate every morning and not to take the med that slows it if it was around 60 . That tells me they expected this some . I will know more when I talk to doc . Just feel very run down right now . No mention of a pace maker yet .
Posted 11/10/2011 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like that could be, but still, if it's uncomfortable or too low, you should call your doc asap, considering the issues you've been having. I don't like horses in a bottle—that's cruelty to animals and me. ;-)
Hugs to you, Sniper.
Posted 11/10/2011 3:29 PM (GMT 0)
Sniper, in some ways a slow heart rate is preferable over a rapid one, at least that old ticker is not
being over worked. It probably feels more uncomfortable to you right now, because perhaps previously
it was high and your body was accustomed to that.

The problem I would talk to your doc about would be your breathlessness when walking. As you know the
walking is essential! Maybe they could have you do a stress test.

You're not ready for the knackers yard yet. None of us here will allow it. Love ya x
Posted 11/10/2011 3:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hugs Sniper!!! I have been having the opposite of you, mine is beating irregular and rapidly. I can agree with you it is not fun. They have me on Coumadin to hopefully avoid a stroke and a med for the heartrate. But still will get the palpitations even when just sitting still. Have a echocardiogram to do on Monday, and then see the cardiologist on the Thursday afterwards. Although I am on Coumadin, I wonder if this is okay to let it go and continue as it has been. I am contacting my family doc in the meantime, and hope your doc provides you some answers too. Hugs!
Posted 11/10/2011 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
Sniper, ask about a referral to Cardiac Rehab. There they will teach you how to excercise properly and to determine when you are reaching your max. You can buy a recording oximeter that will do spot oximetry as well for around $100. That will give you heartrate (pulse) and 02 saturation. The ConTec CMS-50E or 50D+ (has to be the Plus) is FDA approved and w/in that price range. Its easier than trying to count your pulse yourself and more accurate. CR will tell you your "goal" that you will want to work up to. IT really is worth while. As is pulmonary rehab for those w/breathing problems such as COPD, etc.
Posted 11/10/2011 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
Sniper...Other factors could be making your breathing worse.  Are you anemic?  Are you vitamin deficient?  Make sure you're up to snuff on your CD issues to ensure that everything that is happening is heart-related.  Does your cardiologist understand the CD stuff?

On a personal note, I sent you a second email on 11/1 with writing suggestions, but never heard back from you.  Just wanted you to know I didn't stop emailing. If other things seem more important to you now, I  understand. 

They have walkers now that have a chair seat, so you can sit down and rest when you get pooped.  Medicare will pay for one if your doctor writes a prescription.  Just a thought that it might be helpful to take along when you do your walks - at least until you get stronger.

Take care, my friend.

Posted 11/11/2011 5:01 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys , you have brought some good points to my attention . Glad doc did not call today as now I have more to ask him . Odds are I will need to go in and see him . By the way , someone that works with my wife lost her dad today . He had a weak spell but felt better after and would not go to the ER because he felt ok . Then the big one hit and he did not make it , so , my wife has my promise to be less hard headed .
Posted 11/11/2011 5:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Sniper,

I have to second Ctoo's recommendation for Cardio Pulm Rehab. Mom went to a great program and they really helped get her up and moving again. She had more Pulm trouble so they even got her playing the recorder to help her learn to control her breathing better. A good program will really help to find whatever it takes to help you get to where you need to be. It's Friday now, get back to your Doc in the morning. Don't let your message just hang out over the weekend. You don't want to be playing around with your heart rate.

Posted 11/11/2011 2:10 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Keah , I have a call in . Dawg , I'm not a real swim fan due to some critters around here but I'm looking at an elliptical machine . I have a tread mill but it doesn't feel the same as walking and its boring as well . I got on the elliptical machines at the local stores and like some of them . Feels like they work more than your legs and heart rate . Even my mid section felt the pull . Sense I skipped the six pack abs and went right to a keg I could use some help in the middle as well . Any thoughts on these machines ?
Posted 11/11/2011 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
Most people I know that uses them, prefer them way over the tread mill. I think you get a
good cardio workout with low impact, Others have lost inches too with these machines!!
Posted 11/11/2011 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
You must take care sniper!

If your heartrate goes under 60 many times I also belive you would be beter of with a pacemaker.
I belive it´s better to do slow exercise for short periods often. Here you can get a broad band of elastic wich you can tigh together, put one end under your foot and the other end in your hand and then stretch it. It strenghtens your muscles and makes your heartbeat higher without you needing to walk, you can sit down doing it.
Posted 11/12/2011 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
Whatever exercise or exercise equipment you ultimately decide to do/use, Sniper, you want it approved by your cardiologist who probably should run it by a cardio/pulmonary rehabilitation specialist. Good luck and God bless, my friend.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply