Cardiologist prescribed Atenolol for constant Pcvs. However my heart rate is typically between 30-40 which I was told was caused by PCVS. Just wondering if this is really a safe option and how this could possibly help.
Does Atenolol cause low heart rate?
Question posted by jfinc2 on 1 May 2014
Last updated on 9 May 2018
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Answers
DzooBaby
1 May 2014
yes, it does slow the heart rate down. (Kaismama, you better look that one up again). I know for a fact because I take it. I used to have a very fast heart rate (110 bpm) and high blood pressure. They gave me atenolol specifically because it would slow the heart rate. From the literature:
Pharmacology
Blocks beta receptors, primarily affecting heart (slows rate), vascular system (decreases BP), and, to lesser extent, lungs (reduces function).
Teach patient how to take pulse and instruct patient to check before taking drug. Warn patient not to take drug if pulse is less than 60 bpm, and to call health care provider.
Atenolol side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
slow or uneven heartbeats;
feeling light-headed, fainting;
feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
swelling of your ankles or feet;
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
depression; or
cold feeling in your hands and feet.
Less serious atenolol side effects may include:
decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;
sleep problems (insomnia);
tired feeling; or
anxiety, nervousness.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
jfinc2
1 May 2014
OK I am confused... My readings the other day at the cardiologist were 92/57 with a pulse of 36 so god knows what it is while sleeping... I am going to get second opinion.
kaismama
1 May 2014
That one I know about. My pulse needs to be slowed and on that it was 107 at rest. It did nothing for it.
ilove2worship
19 May 2014
I've taken Atenolol for over 10 years, gotten off of it because it made my heart rate too slow (43-53). Now, I've been back on it for 2 weeks due to circumstances. I'm having trouble breathing just doing normal walking and am contacting my doctor now.
robnsam
1 June 2014
Dzoo
I just read your post and thank you thank you thank you!!! I thought I was going crazy! I'm on Atenolol 100 mg twice a day and my heart rate has been between 50-68... I have an appointment w/ my doctor on Tuesday and hopefully I can figure out what to do... if I stop taking the atenolol, my b/p goes up ( 140/82 ... one time it was 138/88) I'm also a type II Diabetic and I read that I shouldn't be on Atenolol while taking the Diabetic meds..anyway... your answer just confirmed for me.. I copied it down and will share with my doctor Tuesday.. I'll let you know what happens and again... THANK YOU!! A thankful person! :) Rob
robnsam
1 June 2014
Got a fast question: If someone does stop the Atenolol, I heard you had to do it slowly otherwise your asking for problems!! Seems like I'm learning more and more about Atenolol. :)
JustMe10628634
12 Oct 2016
I was just prescribed Atenolol after being prescribed Losartan and breaking out in a 1/2 body rash that took 3 days to go away and it's still not totally gone, but it's very faint. I walk 8-15 miles/week since i don't have a car and my resting heart rate is now in the 50's (I just took it w/ the iphone app and it was 52). The dr. was concerned that my heart rate was so low so they gave me a ekg right in the office. Everything was fine. I told him I walk all the time and I even walked 2-1/2 miles that morning.
So what does he do? prescribes me Atenolol. Guess I'll have to call him friday and ask about this. I wonder what my heart rate is when I'm sleeping if it's between 50-60 when I'm awake.
JustMe10628634
31 Oct 2016
I was just prescribed Atenolol after Losorten gave me a rash (I guess I'm the .1%... ) I don't drive so I walk everywhere and my resting heart rate is in the 50's. I didn't want to take it after reading it slows heart rate (my dr. says it doesn't... sorry I'm going to believe the 4 websites I read that said it did). So the last few weeks it's been rainy and cold and I wasn't walking much so my resting heart rate went up to the 60's so I started taking the pill. I take it in the morning. I took it this morning at 8 am and at 9 am my heart rate was 48. I was standing outside in the chilly air waiting for a ride so maybe the cold slowed it down? who knows. prob not tho. I have a heart rate app on my iphone 6 so I take my pulse at least 4 times/day.
I have not noticed any other side effects but I would GLADLY take the low appetite side effect. I've been on a weight loss journey and have lost 22 of 50 pounds so far. and today is Halloween. yeah, you can imagine how THAT'S going. LMAO.
it is just me
9 May 2018
atenolol does lower heart rate. That is one reason it is giving to a patient who has coronary problems. I was prescribed 1/2 of a 25 mg dosage (12.5 mgs) and it put my heart rate in the 50's which it also caused me to be lightheaded and on the verge of passing out. I started to cut them in 1/4 size, which is a challenge, and my heart rate returned to the 60's and low 70's. I am waiting for an appointment with my doctor to discuss this. I am not sure how he will respond to me changing the dosage on my own, but I felt I had to do something.
kaismama
1 May 2014
Atenolol is a cardioselective beta blocker. It is one of them that won't slow your heart.
jfinc2
1 May 2014
Thank you for your quick response . I plan on having an ablation done in a couple months. so I didn't want to take any unnecessary risks in the meantime
Sparky0311
25 Feb 2018
It slows my heart from 75 to 50-55 beats per minute.
Related topics
atenolol, prescription, heart, heart rate, cardiology
Further information
- Atenolol uses and safety info
- Atenolol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Atenolol (detailed)
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