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Low heart rate with high blood pressure

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Posted 1/4/2007 7:58 AM (GMT -8)

Hi,

Several years ago, I've had an aortic valve replacement (AVR). I now have bradycardia (low heart rate) and hypertension (high blood pressure). My doctor is talking pacemaker, which I would like to avoid.

Here are a couple of questions I have:

- I have found some info on the web on bradycardia and on hypertension. But I have not been able to find much on the combination of the two. Do the two of them have a common cause? Where can I find more information on both of them occuring together?

- Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes I can make that would improve both conditions?

- Any other thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks. :-)

Posted 1/4/2007 9:08 AM (GMT -8)
Hi Mary, before putting in my thoughts...I'd like to ask some questions if thats ok....when you say you have low heart rate, how low? Also, high blood pressure, how high? And lastly, have you gotten a second opinion yet?
Posted 1/4/2007 3:15 PM (GMT -8)
Hi: I also have bradycardia & high blood pressure. It takes 3 meds to control the BP and my heart rate is usually around 50-55. My cardiologist said a pacemaker isn't necessary yet unless the heart rate states lower than 45 at all times and causes sleepiness, fatigue, etc. At times, mine will dip to around 37, but never stays down for long. What is your like?
Posted 1/4/2007 6:20 PM (GMT -8)

Hi mary, welcome to healing well.  I am not too sure if there is any connection between low HR and high BP.  It is difficult to find info on this.  I also have Bradycardia due to sick sinus syndrome and an autonomic disorder.  My HR was running in the 20's before I had a pacemaker implant.  It really wasnt all that bad.  The worst thing overall is the creapy feeling of knowing that something is in your chest that shouldnt be there...and of course being thinner your able to see it and it moves around which is weird too.

Dietary changes can effect your blood pressure and have a lasting impact but to my knowledge once your heart goes into an abnormal rythem such as bradycardia there really isnt much that can be done outside of medical intervention.

I hope you continue to post here this is a wonderful site for support and information so please do feel free to continue to post.

Posted 1/5/2007 5:43 AM (GMT -8)
HI all,

Thanks for your responses. My HR varies. Sometimes it's 60, which is normal. But often it drops down to 45. My BP is 130/80. That would not usually be considered to be that high. However, my doc says that because I've had aortic valve replacement and because I am on Coumadin, 130 could be dangerous for me, that it really should be below 120. And he says that the low HR makes things even worse.

Well, thanks again for the welcome. I will continue reading this group and posting occasionally. :-)

PS: I have not gotten a second opinion yet.

Posted 1/5/2007 2:39 PM (GMT -8)
Are you on anything else than Coumadin? If you don't mind me asking, what is your dosage? Mine was lowered from 5mg/daily to 3mg/daily because they placed me on Plavex (heart stent) and today they took me off aspirin. My BP today was 145/90 ... usual is 117/75. I'm on 3 meds for BP, but still have several episodes of increased HR. You average HR sounds like mine. Do you get very sleepy when your HR drops in the 40's? I just seem to fall asleep. Good luck to you!
Posted 1/8/2007 4:49 PM (GMT -8)
The doc says that following AVR, an electrolyte imbalance can develop that leads to a combination of hypertension and bradycardia. He says that for now he will be watching it, but I might need a pacemaker down the line.

He did not explain what exactly is involved in this electrolyte imbalance. He did say that it is irreversible and that neither diet nor drugs are effective at correcting it.

Does anyone know what exactly is involved in this electrolyte imbalance? It sounds to me like this could be corrected through diet. Any ideas?

Thanks :-)
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