Discussion Board

Ok, I entered in all the food I've eaten today in the cronometer and most of the percentages looked pretty good, confirming that I am getting sufficient nutrients in most areas. A few were inadequate - calcium & B12 as has been previously discussed. I take supplements for these, so not too worried. My fat intake was 19% and sodium was 34%. My iron was also low, around 28%. Vitamin E was 52%, Selenium 23%.

I'm currently eating only vegetables, with potatoes as my starch, and two fruits each day. Some days I have a cup of canned vegeterian chili or fat free refried beans, which adds sodium, but I haven't been eating beans every day. My heart rate has dropped to the low 50's and I'll be seeing my cardiologist next week (the earliest appointment I can get), but I'm wondering if the slow heart rate is related to my diet, like maybe my electrolytes are off. Anne C

AnneC...you do not say how old you are..is this your resting heart rate?...are you athletic? there are many variables...are you not feeling well with this heart rate? is your heart rate regular?...Heart rates are variable for many people.....sounds like you already of a cardiologist on board...you must then already have a reason to be seeing one..I would get it checked and let us know what it's all about..

I'm 48 and definitely not an athlete! My resting heart rate has been between 51 and 54. I have occasional AFib episodes, so I'm on heart medication, one of which does lower my heartrate, but I've been on it for several years and my heartrate used to be a steady 70 bpm. Prior to heart meds, my regular resting rate was 60 bpm, so I didn't really think anything of it when my heart rate dropped to 60 bpm, but when it dropped to the low 50's, I realized something was not right. I'm going to increase my sodium intake and keep it between 1500 and 2000 mg just to be on the safe side. AnneC

In case anyone is interested, I saw my cardiologist today and he is not worried about my low heart rate. He says that I don't have to worry about it unless it drops below 40 and I'm not dizzy or faint. AnneC

Thanks for that information. My husband has a low heart rate and they were talking pacemaker. I think his was around 50. He is 71 and is not really interested in getting a pacemaker since he has had no heart problems so far.