Beta Blockers and Heart Rate

[Bodoni]

I am a 57 year old man on 25 mgs. of Atenolol daily for
'white coat' hypertension, a few PVC's now and then and
a possible small 'silent' heart attack sometime in my past.
With the beta blocker, I take one baby aspirin per day.

Also, I have a Left Bundle-Branch Block.

After an  echo-cardiogram, EKG's, 2 Thallium Stress Tests,
my docs have okayed me for an exercise program run by
the local hospital and staffed with a trainer and RN.

My resting pulse now with the Atenolol is anywhere
between 48 - 60, averaging about 55-57. My BP averages
about 130/75 at rest.

I am exercising 5 days a week, about one hour each day
on various machines...attaining pulse rates of about
90-95. A few times I have managed to get to 105-110 for
just a couple of minutes, but thought this might be too
fast.

My question is: What is a safe upper limit for my
heart rate while using a treadmill, biking, etc.,
while taking the Atenolol?

Thank you very much for your help.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

I am assuming that your echo and Thallium tests were normal. If this is the case, you should exercise up to a rate that feels comfortable. A rate around 100 - 110 would be fine, as long as it does not cause you any unexpected level of discomfort. The atenolol will blunt your maximal heart rate, though at the small dose you are taking that should not really affect your level of performance.

[connie]

Hi JW,
I am also taking a beta blocker. I have LOTS of pvcs and my
doctor wants to get them under better control.  Just had a stress test and they could not get my heart rate beyond 120.  Nurse said the beta blocker was doing a great job.  She said my legs would give out before I could achieve upper heart rate.  Just thought that was interesting to know.