Bradycardia

[Marky4425]

I am a healthy 55 year old male. I have a resting heart rate of 38 for a long as I can remember. About 2 years ago I experienced dizziness and was diagnosed with mediated hypotension . I take florenef to raise my blood pressure. I have have no symptoms related to my bradycardia . My primary care doctor took an EKG and said it is a concern if I have a resting heart rate of 38 while at the office. She told me if I were sleeping it would be exceptable. My cardiologist said I would eventually need a pace maker but if I'm not symptomatic I should not worry. My question is should I worry? Is there a danger? What should I do?

[MichelleP_3811]

That is a tough call.  If you are not passing out then I kind of agree with the cardiologist.   Why intervene if you are not symptomatic.  Pacemakers have to be managed and batteries need to be replaced after so much time it seems I would want to avoid it for as long as possible.  if you have consistent low bp have you added a bit of sodium to your diet?  Drinking lots of water is good for the functioning of the heart but it can also flush out sodium and so adding extra sodium may help your cause as well if low bp is a consistent problem.  Other than that I would use your gut to decide if you want the pacemaker.  Some people just have naturally slow hearts and most cardiologists won't intervene unless the symptoms are disrupting a person's ability to function.  Your cardiologist has a better handle on issues with the heart than a GP would.  Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.  Take care.