Atenolol for PVCs

Posted by Carol on April 29, 1999 at 10:36:16
Hello.  Following troublesome palpitations especially at night,I recently had a 24 Holter test which showed "frequent ectopic beats, but no sustained arrythmia".  My cardiologist has prescribed 50 mg. ateenolol per day which I take in 2 x 25 mg. doses.  Although I feel much calmer, and I am able to sleep a bit better than before, I still get woken in the night with a slow irregular heartbeat, and I'm getting nightmares sometimes.  I've noticed that my pulse rate is now very slow, around 50, whereas it used to be about 68.  Also it doesn't want to rise, so exercising on my exercise bike is very tiring and I get very hot and give up at a pyulse rate of around 85!  Yesterday I went for a hike and I got so hot and red in the face it was really embarrassing, although I didn't feel too bad.  Am I taking the appropriate medicine and at the appropriate dose?  Should I be concerned about getting so hot and red?  Thank you very much for your time and patience.

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on April 30, 1999 at 12:46:33
Posted by Carol on April 29, 1999 at 10:36:16
Hello. Following troublesome palpitations especially at night,I recently had a 24 Holter test which showed "frequent ectopic beats,
but no sustained arrythmia". My cardiologist has prescribed 50 mg. ateenolol per day which I take in 2 x 25 mg. doses. Although
I feel much calmer, and I am able to sleep a bit better than before, I still get woken in the night with a slow irregular heartbeat, and
I'm getting nightmares sometimes. I've noticed that my pulse rate is now very slow, around 50, whereas it used to be about 68.
Also it doesn't want to rise, so exercising on my exercise bike is very tiring and I get very hot and give up at a pyulse rate of
around 85! Yesterday I went for a hike and I got so hot and red in the face it was really embarrassing, although I didn't feel too
bad. Am I taking the appropriate medicine and at the appropriate dose? Should I be concerned about getting so hot and red?
Thank you very much for your time and patience.
Posted by Carol on April 30, 1999 at 13:48:24
Sorry, doctor, it looks as if you have replied but I can't seem to see your reply, just my question again?

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on April 30, 1999 at 14:36:09
Dear Carol, thank you for your question.  I don't know why your question was reposted, but here's my response.  I think you may need to reduce your atenolol dose since your exercise tolerance appears to be reduced with your present dose.  I don't know what is causing you to be red and hot - I doubt that's related to the atenolol.
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