Beta blockers effect on heart rate

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 15 2009

Q: I am on atenolol since 2006. I weighed 108 but now I weigh 138. When I tried to exercise I noticed I cannot get my heart rate up no matter what. Is that because of the slowing of the heart from beta blockers? How can I get past that?

A: Your beta blocker is preventing your heart rate from increasing. Exercising too hard in an attempt to get your heart rate up could be dangerous. Instead of focusing on your heart rate, pay attention to how much effort you feel you are exerting when you exercise. If you are wiped out after you exercise, you would be wise to cut back.

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