Atenolol

Altace was giving me those side effects so he tried me on Atenolol. It seems to work but lowers the heart rate to 40 - 44, should I be alarmed at this low rate? How does this beta blocker work to reduce bp?

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

Dear David

If you are having no symptoms from the low heart rate it should not be a problem, though 40 is a little low - I am not sure you need this much beta blocker. If you are having any lightheadedness or dizziness or fatigue, you should bring this to the attention of your doctor. Beta blockers lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the effects of adrenaline.

I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.

Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.