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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Atenolol To Treat PVCs
Answered by
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Atenolol To Treat PVCs
by Barb, Nov 09, 1999 12:00AM
I have recently been prescribed 50 mg of Atenolol daily after a Holter Monitor showed many PVCs, including runs of 2 or 3 in a row. I also have a history of a prior heart attack (EF=50).
1. What are the typical side-effects of this medication? I've read a lot of things on the Web, and some of the side effects sound pretty scary.
2. Should I be monitoring my pulse or blood pressure often while on this medication?
3. Is this considered a low dosage or a high dosage? I was hoping to take the lowest dosage possible, as I am not thrilled about having to take ANY medication.
4. Is this medication safe to take during pregnancy? I have gotten conflicting info on this subject.
5. Since I've already had a heart attack, should I be more concerned about these PVCs?
Thanks in advance.
1. What are the typical side-effects of this medication? I've read a lot of things on the Web, and some of the side effects sound pretty scary.
2. Should I be monitoring my pulse or blood pressure often while on this medication?
3. Is this considered a low dosage or a high dosage? I was hoping to take the lowest dosage possible, as I am not thrilled about having to take ANY medication.
4. Is this medication safe to take during pregnancy? I have gotten conflicting info on this subject.
5. Since I've already had a heart attack, should I be more concerned about these PVCs?
Thanks in advance.
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, MD, Nov 09, 1999 12:00AM
, Nov 09, 1999 12:00AM
1. What are the typical side-effects of this medication? I've read a lot of things on the Web, and some of the side effects sound pretty scary.
A: The biggest side effect people complain about is fatigue. Others are slow pulse, low blood pressure, and impotence for men.
2. Should I be monitoring my pulse or blood pressure often while on this medication?
A: Once a day would be adequate for the first couple of weeks and then just every so often.
3. Is this considered a low dosage or a high dosage? I was hoping to take the lowest dosage possible, as I am not thrilled about having to take ANY
medication.
A: Medium.
4. Is this medication safe to take during pregnancy? I have gotten conflicting info on this subject.
A: Yes.
5. Since I've already had a heart attack, should I be more concerned about these PVCs?
A: No but the fact that you've had a heart attack means that you should be taking a beta-blocker anyways.
A: The biggest side effect people complain about is fatigue. Others are slow pulse, low blood pressure, and impotence for men.
2. Should I be monitoring my pulse or blood pressure often while on this medication?
A: Once a day would be adequate for the first couple of weeks and then just every so often.
3. Is this considered a low dosage or a high dosage? I was hoping to take the lowest dosage possible, as I am not thrilled about having to take ANY
medication.
A: Medium.
4. Is this medication safe to take during pregnancy? I have gotten conflicting info on this subject.
A: Yes.
5. Since I've already had a heart attack, should I be more concerned about these PVCs?
A: No but the fact that you've had a heart attack means that you should be taking a beta-blocker anyways.
