What is a normal pulse rate post-operatively?
A. Typically, most patients will be discharged on a beta blocker which is a group of medications that slows the heart rate and decreases blood pressure. Typically, patients should be concerned if their heart rate is less than 50, particularly if associated with symptoms of dizziness. Should that occur, please notify your physicians. Patients who have undergone cardiac surgery are predisposed to developing rapid arrhythmias. The most common such arrhythmia is known as atrial fibrillation. In this condition, patients frequently experience heart rates in the 120-180 range. Typically, these are felt as palpitations and may be accompanied by symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, perspiration and chest discomfort. Please take your pulse routinely, several times per day. Should the pulse be irregular, quite fast or slow, please notify your surgeon.
