Question:
For all post ops 1 yr or more out-- Do you find you have a lower heart rate?

I am 14 mos. out and have been diagnosed as having bradycardia -- low heart rate. My resting heart rate is 41 bpm. I am having an echo and a stress test next week, but the cardiologist seems to think this may be normal after loosing all this weight. His theory is that our hearts had to work so hard for so long, that now that they don't have to work so hard, they're in great shape and don't have to pump as hard. Anyone else have any insights on this? Thanks.    — sandieguy (posted on October 2, 2002)

October 2, 2002
Sounds like your cardiologist knows what he is talking about, but is smart enough to run some tests to "just make sure". Many athletes have very low heart rates for the same reason, they are in very good shape. Good Luck to you, I am sure that you are fine.
   — Vicki L.

October 3, 2002
Good regular cardio exercise will lower your heart rate... and my guess is we have largish hearts from pumping all the blood through that large body.. so .. at least your Doc's theory sounds very logical... *grin* good thing to have the testing though too...
   — Lisa C.

October 3, 2002
Yes! My heart use to pump like a little rabbits, but at 14 months post-op, it was 40 something at my last visit to the surgeon. No one seemed worried. They asked if I worked out alot (Ummmm, not as much as I should) and checked to make sure I wasn't dehydrated. They decided my heart had just been getting a good workout carrying around that extra 125 pounds.
   — mom2jtx3

October 3, 2002
Yes! I am almost 3 years out and my resting heart rate is around 50. When I give blood, they always do a mini checkup so I know what it is. I am also an exercise freak, so they always suggest I am an athelete, but, I have also lost 140 pounds- no wonder my heart is in such great shape!!
   — M B.

October 3, 2002
Before surgery I suffered from resting tachycardia, with my heartrate running 120 and up. I was asthmatic as well as hypertensive and the excess weight made everything work overtime. Now at 14 months post-op and down 90# my asthma is controlled, the high blood pressure is gone, and my heartrate averages around 70 bpm. Have even had some spells of low blood pressure and bradycardia down to 45 bpm; quite a change!!
   — LLinderman