Does blood pressure affect heart rate?

Question

I was recently diagnosed with hypertension, and started taking medication. It seems like my heart rate is lower. It was usually 100 bpm, yesterday it was around 80 bpm. I had been resting 10 minutes before checking it both times.

Answer 1

Blood pressure and heart rate are linked but the mechanisms are very complex. The key here is what medication you are on, as certain anti-hypertensives, especially beta blockers like metoprolol, will lower your heart rate as well as affecting your blood pressure. As long as you are not suffering any chest pain, dizziness (especially on standing up), palpitations or blackouts you should be completely safe with a slightly reduced heart rate. 80bpm is a healthy resting rate anyway. If you are still concerned about this discuss it with the doctor who prescribed you your medications.

Answer 2

The heart rate fluctuates over the day.  High BP can cause it to raise because of the arteries being constricted causes the heart to work harder.

Also, some BP medications such as Beta Blockers will decrease the heart rate.

Answer 3

yep