Guest guest Posted July 7, 2004 Report Share Posted July 7, 2004 In a message dated 7/7/2004 8:58:12 PM Central Daylight Time, Geneane.M.Bazan@... writes: We were told, if the pulse rate is less than 60, than hold the Digoxin and call the cardiologist. Her heart rate was 59 this morning, and she called the doc. He did not call her back until later in the day and she had taken her pulse again, and it was 56. He then told if the heart rate was over 50, she could take the Digoxin. I am a bit concerned and have told her not to take the Digoxin right now, and told her to take her BP and pulse again at 5, at which time we would make another decision The biggest problem in my mind is that the Dr. didn't call back immediately if for no other reason to ease your mother's mind. He may have determined that she was feeling OK with the lower heart heart rate and decided to lower the minimum to 50. My resting rate can be as low as 45 and I feel fine but I am also riding my bike about 100 mi. per week so that will lower my heart rate because of the increased pumping efficiency as a result of the exercise. Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 7, 2004 Report Share Posted July 7, 2004 In a message dated 7/7/2004 8:58:12 PM Central Daylight Time, Geneane.M.Bazan@... writes: We were told, if the pulse rate is less than 60, than hold the Digoxin and call the cardiologist. Her heart rate was 59 this morning, and she called the doc. He did not call her back until later in the day and she had taken her pulse again, and it was 56. He then told if the heart rate was over 50, she could take the Digoxin. I am a bit concerned and have told her not to take the Digoxin right now, and told her to take her BP and pulse again at 5, at which time we would make another decision The biggest problem in my mind is that the Dr. didn't call back immediately if for no other reason to ease your mother's mind. He may have determined that she was feeling OK with the lower heart heart rate and decided to lower the minimum to 50. My resting rate can be as low as 45 and I feel fine but I am also riding my bike about 100 mi. per week so that will lower my heart rate because of the increased pumping efficiency as a result of the exercise. Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 7, 2004 Report Share Posted July 7, 2004 In a message dated 7/7/2004 8:58:12 PM Central Daylight Time, Geneane.M.Bazan@... writes: We were told, if the pulse rate is less than 60, than hold the Digoxin and call the cardiologist. Her heart rate was 59 this morning, and she called the doc. He did not call her back until later in the day and she had taken her pulse again, and it was 56. He then told if the heart rate was over 50, she could take the Digoxin. I am a bit concerned and have told her not to take the Digoxin right now, and told her to take her BP and pulse again at 5, at which time we would make another decision The biggest problem in my mind is that the Dr. didn't call back immediately if for no other reason to ease your mother's mind. He may have determined that she was feeling OK with the lower heart heart rate and decided to lower the minimum to 50. My resting rate can be as low as 45 and I feel fine but I am also riding my bike about 100 mi. per week so that will lower my heart rate because of the increased pumping efficiency as a result of the exercise. Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 7, 2004 Report Share Posted July 7, 2004 In a message dated 7/7/04 6:58:23 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Geneane.M.Bazan@... writes: << Does anyone have any experience with this? I am a bit concerned that the Cardiologist is being so " blasé " about this. I know that they do this stuff all of the time, but when you have a new patient who does not understand, it would be nice to be informed. Oh, wel! >> Geneane, I think you are right to keep a close watch on this. Although a pulse rate of 59 or 56 is not dangerous (My pulse is frequently that low.), Digoxin (Digitalis) is a drug that needs to be monitored in the beginning because an excessive blood level can be toxic. My brother in permanent afib has taken Digoxin for about 15 years with no problem, but in the beginning his doctor monitored his Dig level frequently to get the right dose. His doctor told him that the right level is critical. Is your mom having more afib episodes, or is she taking the Dig and other meds because of another heart problem? You didn't mention what kind of surgery she had, but I assume it wasn't heart surgery. Maybe your doctor didn't call back immediately because he figured that 59 is not a dangerously low pulse rate. If your mom had reported a pulse rate of 45 or 49 and he didn't call back, I would be concerned. I had a pulse rate of 44-49 while in the recovery room after surgery recently, and they were very concerned. If this doctor continues to be unresponsive, I would continue to call his office after your first call to remind them that your mom needs attention. Sometimes phone messages are waylaid by inefficient office staff. If they can't get their act together, you might want to look for another doctor. in sinus in Seattle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 7, 2004 Report Share Posted July 7, 2004 In a message dated 7/7/04 6:58:23 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Geneane.M.Bazan@... writes: << Does anyone have any experience with this? I am a bit concerned that the Cardiologist is being so " blasé " about this. I know that they do this stuff all of the time, but when you have a new patient who does not understand, it would be nice to be informed. Oh, wel! >> Geneane, I think you are right to keep a close watch on this. Although a pulse rate of 59 or 56 is not dangerous (My pulse is frequently that low.), Digoxin (Digitalis) is a drug that needs to be monitored in the beginning because an excessive blood level can be toxic. My brother in permanent afib has taken Digoxin for about 15 years with no problem, but in the beginning his doctor monitored his Dig level frequently to get the right dose. His doctor told him that the right level is critical. Is your mom having more afib episodes, or is she taking the Dig and other meds because of another heart problem? You didn't mention what kind of surgery she had, but I assume it wasn't heart surgery. Maybe your doctor didn't call back immediately because he figured that 59 is not a dangerously low pulse rate. If your mom had reported a pulse rate of 45 or 49 and he didn't call back, I would be concerned. I had a pulse rate of 44-49 while in the recovery room after surgery recently, and they were very concerned. If this doctor continues to be unresponsive, I would continue to call his office after your first call to remind them that your mom needs attention. Sometimes phone messages are waylaid by inefficient office staff. If they can't get their act together, you might want to look for another doctor. in sinus in Seattle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2004 Report Share Posted July 8, 2004 > My mother had two post-operative atrial fibrillation episodes. Hi, Geneane, Pre-afib, my resting pulse was about 80. When I went on 50 mg of toprol it went to 60. Now that I'm on 100 mg of toprol, it varies from 57 to 60. I don't feel faint, and my doc is fine with this situation. I am guessing that's why your Mom's doc did not take the time to call back immediately. I'll add that if your Mom feels faint, it would be a different matter. Also, I don't know about BP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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