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.
Tags: Atenolol, beta blocker, beta blockers, Diet & Exercise, exercise, heart rate, Taking BP MedsDiovan and high potassium
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 11 2009
Q: I was on the lowest dose of Diovan for years with excellent results. After a routine blood test, my doctor called and said my potassium rate was too high and she blamed the Diovan. She switched me to Cartia XT and my blood pressure has been in the 150 to 180 range ever since even with a doubling of the dose and now an additional beta blocker at night. Is it dangerous to go back to Diovan? What is the potassium danger and why would it happen so suddenly after years?
A: High potassium levels can lead to potentially fatal irregular heartbeats. High levels of potassium can be the result of many things. As we age our kidneys don’t function as well so a diet high in potassium rich foods could have caused your level to increase. You should discuss this further with your doctor and ask about restarting Diovan.
Tags: beta blocker, cartia xt, Diet & Exercise, Diovan, high levels of potassium, high potassium levels, irregular heartbeats, potassium rich foods, Taking BP MedsHeart rate changes and beta blockers
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 26 2009
Q: I have had blood pressure readings on average about 139 over 81 with a heart rate of 70, but at times the heart rate drops to 40. When this happens I have no energy and usually have to lay down for several hours. When I have this challenge should I rest until my heart rate comes up or should I go for a fast walk? I am on a beta blocker for slightly high blood pressure.
A: It is always smart to listen to your body. Your body is telling you to rest because for some reason your heart isn’t able to respond and beat faster to meet the increased needs of greater activity. It is possible this is related to your beta blocker or you may be having an intermittent heart rhythm problem. You should discuss this with your doctor. Make note of what you are doing when your heart rate falls to 40.
Tags: beta blocker, blood pressure readings, Heart Health, heart rate, heart rhythm, high blood pressure, Taking BP MedsPulse rate with BP meds
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 10 2009
Q: Since changing BP meds my pulse rate has been in the 80’s-100. Before it was in the 60’s -lower 70’s. If I wake up during the night it is still high. I am very concerned about the change. What do you think?
A: At rest, normal adult pulse rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Your pulse is in the normal range. I suspect your previous blood pressure medication kept your heart from beating faster. For example, a slow heart rate is a side effect of beta blockers.
Tags: beta blocker, beta blockers, blood pressure medication, Heart Health, pulse rate, side effect, slow heart rate, Taking BP MedsDrugs and weight gain
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 11 2009
Q: I’m taking a beta blocker (toporol) for high blood pressure. I’ve gained 10 pounds even though I watch my calories. Is it true that some drugs cause weight gain?
A: Some drugs can cause weight gain. This is more typically a problem with antidepressants. You should advise your doctor about your weight gain.
Tags: antidepressant, beta blocker, Medication Interactions, toporol, weight gainIs there a non-prescription replacement for Atenolol?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 18 2008
Q: Is there a non-prescription medicine that would replace Atenolol?
A: I am not aware of any non-prescription beta-blockers that would be the equivalent of Atenolol. A non-prescription therapy proven to lower blood pressure is the RESPeRATE. Keep in mind; it is not advisable to stop taking medication without first consulting with your healthcare provider.
Tags: Atenolol, beta blocker, non-prescription therapy, Taking BP MedsHeart rate under beta blockers
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 20 2008
Q: My heart rate is consistently under 60 even after moderate activity. Is that a concern? I have vasovagal syndrome and have fainted suddenly about twice a year. I take a beta blocker and lisinopril.
A: You are currently taking a beta blocker. This drug is keeping your heart from beating faster. As a result the usual target heart rate goals for exercise shouldn’t be used. You will be better off using the Perceived Exertion Scale to determine safe activity levels. For more information about measuring physical activity intensity click here.
Tags: beta blocker, Diet & Exercise, heart rate, Lisinopril, low heart rate, vasovagal syndromeWhen I first started taking blood pressure medication I had chest pains, is this normal?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 03 2008
Q: I take Bystolic 10mg and Benicar 40/25 (1 per day) but sometimes it gives me chest pain. My body wouldn’t tolerate these meds at first so my Dr. gave me a little at a time until I could take it. Is it ok to take them together?
A: Chest pain should always be evaluated by a doctor. Make sure your doctor is aware that you are having this symptom. Starting off at a lower dose is a way to build tolerance to a medication and this technique is frequently used. It is not uncommon to combine a beta blocker (Bystolic) with an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (Benicar).
Tags: beta blocker, blood pressure medication, chest pain, Medication Interactions, meds, taking blood pressureNo sexual side effects occur with RESPeRATE use
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 23 2007
Q: I have been taking Tenormin Plus tablets (with Atenolol and Chlorthalidone) and now have less of a sexual desire. Is that a side effect of the medicine?
A: Tenormin Plus is a combination of the beta blocker Atenolol and the diuretic Chlorthalidone. Erectile dysfunction is a known side effect of both Atenolol and Chlorthalidone. A decrease in libido or sexual desire is associated only with Chlorthalidone. If you are having problems just with libido, not performance, you might want to talk to your doctor about prescribing a different diuretic to take with Atenolol or using RESPeRATE. No sexual side effects occur with RESPeRATE use.
Tags: Atenolol, beta blocker, Chlorthalidone, diuretic, Erectile dysfunction, libido, RESPeRATE, Sex, sexual desire, Tenormin
