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When is a very slow pulse rate in a healthy appearing young man cause for concern?

A colleague in a Rocky Mountain state reports that a 'healthy' appearing 23 year old Caucasian male has donated blood 10 times previously, and at each prior donation his physical examination revealed a pulse rate of 30 beats per minute or less.  The donor recently presented to make his 11th donation, but this time his pulse rate was only 24 beats/minute. No history related to the donor's athletic abilities was provided. The young man was deferred from donating and referred to a cardiologist for medical evaluation. The Rocky Mountain colleague wonders if others have seen similar cases, and if so, what has been the experience.

Editor's comment: Colleagues might find the discussion: When is a very slow pulse rate in a fit elderly blood donor a cause for concern? to be germane to the case under discussion.

Please submit comments to the e-Network Forum.

Ira A. Shulman, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Editor & Moderator
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Posted: March 3, 2005

Addenda:

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