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Sinus Bradycardia and Lupus

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Posted 8/28/2008 2:42 AM (GMT 0)

I have Lupus, so usually don't look at this section but need some advice/opinions.  I was recently diagnosed with bradycardia and have a resting heart rate in the 30's and 40's.  I get dizzy when I exercise and stand up sometimes.  They've run every test known to man on me and it doesn't show anything wrong with my heart.  Could the low heart rate be causing the symptoms even though it isn't showing on the tests?  The symptoms did not happen during any of the tests performed.  I had several EKG's, echo, tilt table test, holter monitor, etc.  It just seems like the dizziness is due to my heart rate dropping.  Is it a possibility even though the tests aren't showing anything?  They didn't do the cath test.  Should I let it go and not worry about it? 

Posted 8/31/2008 10:17 PM (GMT 0)

Hi michy, I too have bradycardia my HR was in the 20's before my cardiologist was able to get me to agree to a pacemaker implant.  This was 3 years ago, I was 31 yrs old and had been (at the time) diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis for 4 yrs already.  So this was quite a shock.  For me after all the testing and trips to research hospitals as I also have extremely low blood pressure it was found that I have a rare neurological condition that caused my heart to start to beat into arrythmias.  Most often cardiologists cannot determine what the cause of an arrythmia is.  There are many and bradycardia is quite common.

However, I am sure you are finding out that it is extremely difficult to live and go about your daily life with your heart rate in the 30's and 40's.  For that I dont envy you at all as I recall that sick dizzy feeling very well and dont miss it at all.  Syncope or passing out can occur when your heart rate gets low enough so please do take precautions.   Here is a link from the AMA on this condition.  Please do keep posting and letting us know how your doing. 

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=55

Posted 8/31/2008 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
Did your heart rate gradually decrease over time?  How long did it take to lower?  Mine two years ago was in the 60's and last year went down to the 50's and now this year I'm in the 30's and 40's.  How did they determine a pacemaker was the solution to your problems?  How do you feel now with the pacemaker?   

Posted 9/1/2008 12:01 AM (GMT 0)

My heart rate dropped suddenly, to my knowledge overnight when I woke up one morning and passed out after 3-4 minutes due to a combination of low heart rate and low bp.  But too tell you the truth I had been feeling sick (low energy, achey, just an unwell feeling overall) for a few months before this happened.  I had been to the doctor several times but he never checked my heart even though there is an extensive history of heart disease in my family on both sides.  When I passed out it was lucky for me that my mom was coming by that morning and found me on the floor, she called an ambulance.  In the ER my HR was in low 20's and BP 50's/30's.  Durning following two weeks in the hospital I had numerous tests done including a bubble study which found an Left Ventrical Defect and  also a cardiac cath which showed that the structure of my heart is sound well, except for the dime sized hole.

For me, the pacemaker came into play when my cardiologist couldnt get my heart rate to increase with medications.  It was a last resort and not one a wanted to have for certian but it does keep me going and I do feel a whole lot better with it then I did for that short period of time without it. 

Posted 9/10/2008 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Lupus can affect the nervous system, in the case of bradycardia it may have affected the vagus nerve.

damage to this nerve can also cause GERD, Sleep Apnea, Arrythmias
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/lupus/lupus.htm
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/a/arrhythmias/book-diseases-4a.htm

I have bradycardia from sarcoidosis another autoimmune disorder that attacks the nervous system
Posted 10/2/2008 12:31 PM (GMT 0)
I am usually not in this forum either as I have fibromyalgia and symptoms nearly exactly like the original poster's but I have been undiagnosed.

I have been dizzy nearly constantly for the past 5 months but it is worse if I over-exert myself and/or stand up from sitting or worse from lying down. My pulse is normally high 30's or low 40's and I have low blood pressure.

So far they cannot find a cause despite cardio, adrenal, and a bit of neuro testing. Any thoughts? While I don't wish this upon anyone it is nice to not feel alone in these symptoms.


Thank you!

Post Edited (Capa) : 10/2/2008 2:09:54 PM (GMT-6)

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