High blood pressure, low pulse?

Question

I've just started taking Atenolol (beta blocker) for high blood pressure (240/120) and it seems to be working, bp now down to about 140/80 but my pulse varies between 40 and 48 bpm. Do feel a bit woozy and generally a bit slow, but also dieting so that maybe connected to that! Is 40 to 48 a normal pulse?

Answer 1

Not all anti hypertensive drugs slow the pulse rate like beta blockers do.

All seem to have some side effects, your doctor will change your medication if you really feel light headed and lethargic - the dieting won't help, unless you are on a sensible regime.

Answer 2

No your pulse is too slow.

The purpose of Atenelol is to slow your heart rate but not to that extent, you dont say what dose you are taking, it might need adjusting or you may need a different beta blocker.

Thats the lowest dose, speak to your doc :)

Answer 3

You don't state your age or other medical history.Go back to your GP as your symptomatic.

Beta-blockers aren't the only treatment available for hypertension (as of 2006, they are no longer a first line treatment for hypertetnion) Just explain to your GP your feeling a bit sluggish and slow, he may well change you to another beta-blocker/alter your medication. This can be one of the common side effects of Atenolol and all beta-blockers in general (they work by slowing down the heart and reducing its workload) There is a contradiction If you were/are bradycardic and taking this medication.

The dosage given is between 25-100mg, your on the lower dose, but like I said, see your GP

Answer 4

Bradycardia, as applied to adult medicine, is defined as a resting heart rate of under 60 beats per minute, though it is seldom symptomatic until the rate drops below 50 beat/min.

Pacemaker

Implanting a pacemaker is the most common treatment for bradycardia that causes symptoms such as fainting. A pacemaker is a wallet-sized device with wires and electrodes attached. The electrodes are threaded through your veins and into your heart. The pacemaker device is implanted under your collarbone. The pacemaker generates electrical impulses through the electrodes to regulate your heartbeat.

Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend a dual-chamber pacemaker. While a traditional pacemaker only stimulates the ventricles, or less commonly the atria, a dual-chamber device has electrodes in both the atria and the ventricles. Some pacemakers even have three leads, one for the right atrium and one for each ventricle (biventricular pacemaker). Biventricular pacemakers are most commonly used in individuals who have heart failure.

Since you have got hypertension, you should undergo kidney function tests and checkup retina for hypertensive retinopathy.

Kidney function tests are common procedures used to evaluate renal function. Hypertensive retinopathy is damage to the retina caused by high blood pressure.

My father had bradycardia (pulse rate-35 beats per minute). He died due to heart attack at the age of 62 in 1964.

Please note that I am not a medical professional.

Answer 5

Atenolol slows your heart rate - that is how it reduces your blood pressure.

Your symptoms should pass in a couple of weeks, if they don't you need to go back to your doctor for either the dose adjusting or to try a different beta blocker.

Answer 6

yes a beta blocker will slow the pulse. i cannot take beta blockers for my high bp as my pulse is aleady slow. if its a prob see yr doctor.

Answer 7

No, your pulse should be between 60 and 100 so yours is a bit slow. I don't know much about Atenolol, one of the side effects may be slowing the pulse. Go back to your doctor.

Answer 8

Go see your GP, depending on your age etc the high 40's or low 50's although considered bradycardia may not be too low, particularly if you were once very fit or if you're elderly but considering the fact that you're sympomatic it may be too low for you, you may need a change in meds, keep taking them as normal but go see your GP very soon so they can investigate.

Answer 9

Atenolol can slow the pulse rate. 48 is not that low while on atenolol. If you feel dizzy, get evaluated once again.