Is a heart rate of 40 dangerous for a 58 year old female?

Answer 1

A heart rate of 40 is a bit slow for anyone. A slow heart rate is called bradycardia, and can be a symptom of many things. The most common is medications. A very common kind of medication, called a beta blocker, can cause the heart rate to slow down. These medications are typically used for blood pressure control and after heart attacks. Most of them end with -olol, like metoprolol, atenolol, carvedilol, etc. If you are on one of these medications, talk to your doctor, as you may be on too much, especially if you are noticing any lightheadedness when you stand up, or you feel short of breath or excessively tired all the time.

Other causes of slow heart rates can be more serious. Heart attacks can cause a slow heart rate, as can some other causes of heart damage that disrupt the electrical system of the heart.

In any case, you should probably call or see your primary care physician or cardiologist (if you have one), and let him/her know your heart rate is this slow. Check your blood pressure before you call to make sure it is ok as well. If it is terribly low, you may need to go to the emergency room for evaluation, especially if you are having symptoms of chest pain, chest pressure, chest tightness, shortness of breath, excessive tiredness or weakness, or you feel as though you are going to pass out.

Answer 2

I am a 55 year old woman. I suffer from hypertension. I have just recently switch my medication to Cartia (beta blocker), as a result I am suffering from too low heart rate and high blood pressures. I am afraid to take this medication further because i had to be rushed to the hospital last night because of dizziness.