Posted , 31 users are following.
Hi, my doctor prescribed 10mg propranolol twice a day. My heart rate went down to 48. My resting heart rate is between 58 and 65 without propranolol. Has anyone else experienced this?
0 likes, 39 replies
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morgan35312 nancyj1979
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davhill nancyj1979
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In a word, yes. I got atrial fibrillation and went on to bisoprolol fumarate. From a usual resting heart rate of 60, I went to 46. The doc upped the dose a little and though I stayed at 46 minimum, started feeling bad - the symptoms were like those of mild altitude sickness. Putting the dose back up stopped the symptoms.
Because I was feeling so desperately tired on the bisoprolol, I was put on slow release half beta prograne (propanolol is the active ingredient.)
My heart rate now varies from 46 to 52, depending on the time of day and how relaxed I'm feeling.
A beta blocker will slow the heart down...this is part of its role. Chilly feet and fingers are a common side effect. Dizziness and wobbliness after standing up are also common. Take time to get up slowly.
nana57291 davhill
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sophie07227 nana57291
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Hi am on 80mg propranolol. And when I go out I don't collapse I used to be scared to go out. But you can't let it control you. You need to carry on and go out you will be fine. Go for short walks to make your self at peace
nancyj1979
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tonia_2003 nancyj1979
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nancyj1979
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tonia_2003 nancyj1979
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nancyj1979 tonia_2003
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Lee1993 nancyj1979
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davhill Lee1993
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I think you need to bear two things in mind...
1. A beta blocker will slow your heart rate because it damps down your fight/flight hormones. It also gives the heart an easier time and reduces it's demand for oxygen.
2.Even if your heart rate drops a lot, you're unlikely to suffer anything drastic. Beta blockers have been around for many years and Propanolol is a 'kind' one.
Checking your pulse occasionally is sensible and won't harm you. I know that on half - beta prograne (Propanolol - based slow release B Blocker) mine varies between 46 and 50bpm.
So, checked it out and I know how it feels/should feel. I stopped obsessing about it weeks ago.
Lee1993 davhill
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davhill Lee1993
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I don't know your age or state of health but consider this. A 'normal' human heart rate is 60 to 100bpm. Ultra-fit athletes can easily have a resting rate of 46.
But I'm 61 ( today) and have a leaky mitral valve and have smoked for 45 years. I was put on B blockers as part of the treatment for chronic anxiety.
This last point means I've been obsessive about heart things for four decades...all it's ever done is make things worse. Never forget that you're designed to survive.
Lee1993 davhill
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tonia_2003 davhill
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davhill tonia_2003
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You're seeking reassurance and, when I need to do the same, I work on the old principle that knowledge is power. So, I took a look at NHS Choices, which you'll find here...
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Blood-pressure-%28low%29/Pages/Causes.aspx
According to this - and I quote, 'Normal blood pressure is between 90/60 and 140/90.' Now, 'normal' is a very grey area. It could be you habitually have low blood pressure but that isn't necessarily abnormal.
Also, remember that many factors change BP. I just checked on my machine. Over the past week or so, I've recorded systolic pressures from 178 to 112. I'm on a the long-release version of propanolol; the dose is consistent and it's been the same hardware (the machine and me) all along. I think this proves my point.
I suppose you may have mild hypotension (the opposite of hypertension or high BP). There are lots of things that can cause this but you may just have low BP anyway and this is no bad thing.
I think the first thing you need to do is to trust your doctor. I'm not medically qualified but I used to work with medical personnel every day for two years - I was the photographer/illustrator at a medical school.
Assuming it's a GP whose prescribed your propanolol, he or she will have five years' training under their belt at the very least. Having seen medical students at work in many different circumstances, I can say with certainty, studying medicine was no walk in the park.
Just like anyone else, doctors can make mistakes. However, I assume your doctor knows all about your BP figures - he or she would definitely take them into account.
It'd be interesting to look into just how much of the drug you've been prescribed - you can compare with other people on here as well as check out prescribing information on the web. However, it's worth noting that dosages vary hugely depending on a wide range of factors, including the reason for prescribing the drug.
Lastly, whenever I start on a new drug, I always remember one thing. Often, the side effects happen considerably faster than the desired effect - time is needed to become accustomed to the new drug.
I think that if you're really scared and haven't taken a beta blocker before, there'd be no harm in checking with your doctor. I've done this in telephone consultations before - they take up very little of the doctor's time and save your having to visit.
So, best of luck and please update if you want to.
cathrine50028 davhill
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Goodness, you sound just like me! I am 61 this June and although my valve is not leaky, the skipping beats and palpitations do not help my existing anxiety, that's for sure! Do you feel better on the blockers?
michael60014 davhill
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