king_saladin Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 Particularily in the last year or so I've noticed my 'resting' heart rate often going below 60bpm. I take a beta blocker daily.I get a lot of aerobic exercise every year, but I'm out of condition for the winter and now often get readings below 55bpm.Two immediate family members also usually have low resting heart rates... and although they both take a beta blocker as well, I know one of them has had a low resting HR well before they started taking meds.Occasionally my heart rate will jump up around 70bpm, but it mostly stays between 47-63 when ever I'm just sitting around.So I ask, what is your typical resting heart rate?I'm very curious about why my resting heart rate is a bit below the average. I don't know how much of it is caused by genetics/aerobic conditioning, compared to being caused by POTS. Does POTS ever really make heart rate decline (when the blood pressure is still in normal range)?Thanks for any responses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gena Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 My resting heart rate has always been low, but it even got a little lower since having POTS. Mine ranges from about 45-60 just lying around...however it ocassionally gets into the high 30s while I'm sleeping. I have always been active, conditioned and thin, so I'm sure that contributes to the low resting HR as well. I do not take any beta blockers though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merrill Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 Hi -- I was just reviewing your past posts b/c I wondered whether you'd been diagnosed with POTS ... it doesn't seem so (unless I missed something or unless you didn't say...)I have pots and was put on beta blocker a few weeks ago to slow my heart rate ... my heart rate while I'm awake, whether sitting or standing, is always over 100 (but it goes much higher when standing). In my 24 hour holter, it didn't go below 67--and that low was during sleep. The beta blocker definitely keeps my highest highs when standing to around 130 or less, so it's helping in that regard. Most people on this board who have pots will likely report problems/experiences with tachycardia, not bradycardia.When I was at physical therapy last week, I asked the woman who was helping w/my exercises to check her pulse. She was standing around--and it was 64 bpm. Mine was 120, and I was seated and doing isometrics.All this is to say, since normal is considered 50 to 100 bpm, you're probably doing ok--especially since you're on beta blocker which would slow you down a little anyway. Do you feel bad at this heart rate?Best,m Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaColumbus Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 My resting rate laying down is between 50 and 80. Sitting up is between 80 and 120. Standing is typically 120-160. No wonder I'm so darn scrawny.Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnA Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 I have a low resting HR also since beta blockers. It is around 60 and was lower in the beginning. WHen I stand my heart rate goes up 110-120 bpm. Much higher when I am off of beta blockers. We are all different . POTS is more about how much our HR increases than how high it gets. dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest GayleP Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 Resting anywhere from 55-90. I feel best when it's in the 60's. I'm not on any meds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calypso Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 My resting heart rate is so variable ... but on the beta blockers is usually in the 60s. When I fall asleep I know it goes down to low 40s. When standing it's in the 100s.Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
king_saladin Posted February 7, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 Hi -- I was just reviewing your past posts b/c I wondered whether you'd been diagnosed with POTS ... it doesn't seem so (unless I missed something or unless you didn't say...)I've been diagnosed with dysautonomia... the specialist seemed to point out that it wasn't technically POTS, though it is orthostatic intolerance mostly involving changing blood pressure through postural changes.All this is to say, since normal is considered 50 to 100 bpm, you're probably doing ok--especially since you're on beta blocker which would slow you down a little anyway. Do you feel bad at this heart rate?No not usually. Though I have the usual chronic fatigue and all that, I generally feel decent with the low heart rate. When my BP is really flutating, that is when my HR goes up around 70bpm.I guess the lowered heart rate from the beta blocker isn't really something of concern? Cardiovascular tests haven't shown any problems (besides the dysautonomia of course) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calypso Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 In my opinion -- and I am not a medical professional, but obviously take a beta blocker and know a little about POTS -- the lower heart rate is definitely normal on a BB. I wouldn't worry. It would be even more odd if the drug was NOT lowering your heart rate.Good night.Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eillyre Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 My resting HR varies from 37-50 normally. I've been told that BB will contribute to lower HR (so the MDs won't start me on one). I was in very good shape athletically before the onset of POTS, so I'm not sure how much of it is POTS or how much is from all the exercise I was involved in (I think it's probably a mixture of both, as I'm not exercising now and it's still low).All in all, I wouldn't worry too much about HR in the 50's, especially if you're on a BB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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