Will having a low heart rate be a problem when going under general anesthesia?

As long as you are healthy then there should be no problem with your heart rate being below 60. This is common in young people who are very athletic (distance runners, etc). Check with your PCP if you have any doubt and talk with the planned anesthesia provider ahead of time also! Good luck!

Hello Michelle and thank you for your question.

A low heart rate is often seen in healthy, athletic individuals. However, it can sometimes be associated with cardiovascular issues. In my practice, I always have patients cleared by their primary care physician, and in the case of possible cardiac issues, a cardiology clearance is also necessary. The anesthesiologist at the hospital would also have to clear you in the pre-hospital screening process and before surgery.

With proper preoperative precautions as above, your heart rate is unlikely to be a significant issue, but you should always be safe and address this well in advance with your plastic surgeon, your primary care physician (and possible cardiologist), and the anesthesiology team.

For more information on rhinoplasty, please refer to my link below.

Good luck.

Mark K Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS
Harvard-trained Board Certified Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon