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Can dehydration cause low pulse?
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General Health
Question #12371
45 days ago
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Can dehydration cause low pulse? - #12371

Sia

I am really worried about my health right now. Last week, I started feeling really dizzy and my heart felt like it was fluttering. I check my pulse and it was around 50 BPM, which I know is low, but I thought maybe I was just resting too much. But then, I realized I hadn't drink much water for a couple of days — seriously, it was like a few sips here and there! Crazy, right?! So, I started googling and came across this question: can dehydration cause low pulse? It sounds like it could, but I'm no expert. I was super active before this happened, exercising daily, and now it feels like I'm just... out of it. And to make things worse, I don’t wanna freak out, but I keep thinking about the last time I felt this way, and it took quite a while for my pulse to normalize. I read somewhere that low blood volume from dehydration might be the culprit, but is that really a thing? Can dehydration cause low pulse? Should I be doing something specific to avoid this? I’m drinking more water now, but what if it doesn’t change anything? Do I need to see a doctor or something? Really hoping this is just a temporary thing.

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Doctors’ responses

Dehydration can indeed lead to a low pulse, but it’s not the most common scenario as dehydration often causes an increase in heart rate. The mechanics behind this are quite logical—when you’re dehydrated, your blood volume can decrease, causing your body to compensate by increasing heart rate to maintain blood pressure. However, severe dehydration or the body’s unique response to it could potentially cause a lower pulse. Nonetheless, it’s essential to consider that bradycardia (slow heart rate) can arise due to other factors, like electrolyte imbalances or medications, and even well-trained athletes often have a naturally lower resting heart rate. Given your symptoms of dizziness and heart fluttering, it could be beneficial to monitor and manage your hydration status more purposefully. A significant increase in water intake can help, without overdoing it, ensuring you’re getting about 2-3 liters per day, depending on your activity levels and environmental conditions. Eating a balanced diet with enough electrolytes while staying hydrated is crucial too, especially if engaging in physical activities. If your pulse remains low, fluttering continues, or if you experience syncope (fainting), it would be wise to see a doctor. They can evaluate any underlying causes with a more comprehensive assessment, perhaps looking into potential arrhythmias, thyroid function, or other cardiovascular considerations. Timely medical consultation can help rule out more serious conditions and guide appropriate treatments or investigations. Immediate medical attention is necessary if symptoms worsen or new concerning features develop, as taking chances with heart-related symptoms can be risky.

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