Low pulse rate

Hello Stuart,

A pulse rate of 50 is somewhat low, especially if you are older.  A normal heart rate is 60-100 beats per minute.

There are many causes of a low heart rate.  In older patients (and by the number of medications you are on, I'm guess you are older), heart disease and a previous history of heart attacks can cause a low heart rate.  Both of these can interfere with the conduction system of the heart which keeps your heart rate regular and at a normal rate.  Also, you are on a beta-blocker (the atenolol), a medication which can lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate.

For your piece of mind, you should discuss your concerns about your low heart rate with your physicians!

To your health,

Neil MD

Lately my BP was between 100 to 160 /50 to 65. My normal blood pulse is around 45. Now my pulse dropped to below 30 occationally. Please explain.

Get an EKG & see if you have an AV block. 

Blood pressure is about 154 over 70 lately, with a low pulse rate of 49.  Is this something I need to worry about?  Feeling tired, more sluggish lately and incurred a head injury 1 year go.  Now this past week, having dizzy spells - especially when I move my head.  Planning on going to dr to have this checked out (possible Vertigo??).  I'm not liking these dizzy spells at all.  My busines has been real slow this year, so I'm not working outside as much - not getting all that physical labor I really need right now.  Any advice?

yes, it could beta blockers for high blood pressure lower the heart rate.